Michael Owen was left impressed by Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka and how he made his goal against West Ham United on Boxing Day look ‘very, very easy’, as he told Premier League Productions (26/12/22 at 10:05 pm).
The 21-year-old delivered when it mattered most for Mikel Arteta because his side were trailing the Hammers 1-0 heading into the half-time break.
And whilst there was an element of luck involved with Arsenal’s equalising goal, Saka wasn’t to know and his touch and finish was out of this world.
Martin Odegaard proceeded to cut inside from the right channel, before deciding to unleash a shot, before his tame effort at goal ended up being a through ball to Saka instead.
The England international took an outstanding first touch, found himself through on goal, before he kept his composure and levelled the scores.
That started the road to Arsenal’s comeback win and Owen was left impressed by what he saw from the Hale-End star.
“What a first touch with his weaker foot,” said Owen. “Then he just curls and slots it into the bottom corner. He makes it look very, very easy.
“Yes, a little bit of luck (with Odegaard’s shot). Normally, you would expect Odegaard to find Saka with that pass because he threaded a couple through in the first half, but they didn’t come off. A bit of luck, but it was a brilliant finish.”
SAKA CONTINUES TO RISE
From an individual standpoint, Saka produced a number of strong performances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, even if it ended in typical fashion for England.
But it’s on the domestic scene where the £30k-a-week star (Spotrac) is really shining bright.
To have the pressure of playing for his boyhood club, and trying to get them back to the top isn’t easy, especially when he is still 21.
But, so far, Saka is producing the goods and if he guides Arsenal to the Premier League title, then he will be able to put his name alongside the legendary members of the north London club.
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