Alan Shearer has told his Premier League Team of the Week that Arsenal wonderkid Bukayo Saka has “brilliant” timing when it comes to making runs – and is impressed with the England star’s ability to withstand enormous pressure.
Saka, 21, scored twice as Arsenal secured a momentous 3-2 victory over Liverpool at The Emirates on Sunday. The Hale End academy product was at the heart of everything, putting Arsenal 2-1 ahead – and then 3-2 up, from the spot.
It was an incredibly pressurised moment. There was a considerable amount of time between the penalty being awarded, and then actually taken by Saka. Of course, the Euro 2020 final is still thought of, when Saka steps up.
But he reminded all why he remains Arsenal’s penalty taker. The winger scored his second of the match and Arsenal’s third, calmly slotting past Brazilian stopper Alisson to secure all three points – and send Arsenal back to the top.
Shearer was impressed; including Saka in his TOTW with Mikel Arteta, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli. He said: “Timed his run brilliantly for his first. Withstood pressure to convert his penalty and clinch a massive three points.”
Shearer: Arsenal wonderkid Saka has brilliant timing
What a performance. Saka placed the weight of his boyhood club on his shoulders, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and delivering a display that was enough for Arsenal to see off the challenge of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
If Saka can continue to produce performances to this level, along with his Arsenal teammates, they are title challengers. If Arsenal are title challengers, or at least finish in the top three, Saka will surely sign a new contract at The Emirates.
The future looks excellent for Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. A manager that has toughed out the tricky times, and is now reaping the rewards. His standards, his identity, his tactics work. It helps when Saka plays like this.
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