Mikel Arteta praised Bukayo Saka’s remarkable influence after the 23-year-old played a key role in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Southampton. Saka provided assists for Kai Havertz and substitute Gabriel Martinelli before scoring Arsenal’s third goal, solidifying his impact on the game. His two assists brought his tally to seven in the Premier League, more than any other player in the division. His goal, finished clinically after a Southampton defensive error, followed his recent strike in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta highlighted Saka’s growing maturity and leadership on the pitch, noting that he has become a player capable of changing and deciding games. “That’s the maturity and that’s the steps that players have to do. He has been long enough in the team now, he has the right to have that role,” said Arteta. “He believes in that, that he has the capacity to change games, to decide games, like many other players, and he wants to be at the top.”
Arteta further emphasized that Saka is showing his ability to step up when it matters most, whether at home, away, or in key moments of the game. “What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable. We have many examples of that as well,” added Arteta.
Despite Arsenal fielding a front four with impressive Premier League statistics, it was Saka, the youngest of the group, who truly shone. His assists and goal once again made him Arsenal’s key player in difficult moments. His seven shots and seven chances created underlined his outstanding performance, following a similarly influential display in Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester.
