‘He’s on fire’: BBC pundit gushes over ‘wonderful’ Arsenal talent

Follow us on Google Discover

Michael Brown hailed Bukayo Saka on BBC Radio 5 Live (19/3, 13:06) after the England star opened the scoring for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s men travelled to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Gunners made the trip to Birmingham to continue their pursuit of qualification for the Champions League this season. Arsenal could set a real marker to their chasing sides, with Manchester United not in action while Tottenham Hotspur will host West Ham on Sunday.

Arsenal started strongly at Villa Park and played with patience, trying to create chances to beat their former goalkeeper. A job Ezri Konsa almost did for them, but Emiliano Martinez was alert to turn the ball out after the Villa centre-back diverted Saka’s cross goal-bound.

Saka and Arsenal continued to plug away and eventually found the breakthrough after 30 minutes for a deserved lead. Aston Villa could only half-clear Cedric Soares’ cross for the ball to fall perfectly for the 20-year-old, who drilled a low effort into the bottom corner.

The 14-cap England ace’s effort moved him onto nine Premier League goals for the season so far. He had also offered five assists over his previous 27 games before visiting Villa Park.

Brown gushes over ‘wonderful’ Bukayo Saka, Arsenal star is ‘on fire’

Saka enthralled former Manchester City midfielder Brown with his effort to put Arsenal in the lead at Aston Villa. Even if he sensed Martinez could have done more to keep him out.

“Aston Villa couldn’t clear their lines from this wide free-kick,” Brown said. “It falls kindly, central for Saka. He’s on fire. The goalkeeper might think he could do better. He might not see it well, it is windy, but he should save it. But a wonderful strike and start for Arsenal.”

Saka has now scored in three of his last six Premier League appearances, while offering an assist. His involvement at Villa Park could have come to an abrupt end moments before he scored, as well, following a robust challenge from Tyrone Mings left the winger limping.