Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot to secure all three points for Arsenal against Liverpool and return to the top of the Premier League – and a video has emerged on Twitter of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s reaction at The Emirates.
Saka, 21, scored a brace as the Gunners beat Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. The England international had put the Gunners 2-1 up – after Darwin Nunez cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener. Roberto Firmino made it 2-2.
Towards the end of the game, Thiago attempted to clear a cross. But Gabriel Jesus got in before him, and a penalty was awarded to Arsenal. There was plenty of time following the decision, to Saka actually finding the bottom corner.
Jordan Henderson had to be calmed down following an altercation with Gabriel and Granit Xhaka. A VAR check also took place. Eventually, Saka was faced by one of the world’s best goalkeepers in Alisson – to put the Gunners 3-2 up.
Of course, Saka missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy for England. But since, Arsenal have placed their faith in Saka to take penalties – and he scored on Sunday. Videos of Zinchenko celebrating have emerged on Twitter.
Video: Zinchenko’s reaction as Saka scored from penalty spot
Saka deserves enormous praise for netting. Given the past, given the situation, given the quality of Alisson – he took the penalty with aplomb. You could see in his celebration that it was a mixture of joy, and relief, at scoring the penalty.
But the joy was also felt upstairs, by the unavailable Zinchenko – who watched on from what appeared to be his box. A huge win for the Gunners, and a statement to Manchester City. The Gunners are in a title race, and are ready, this term.
So far, so good. They have managed to keep their best players fit – something which hampered their run in last season. Saka is on fire, as are plenty of other players, and they are managing the Europa League well. Arsenal are excelling.
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