Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka put in a top-drawer performance as he helped the Gunners to a 3-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham yesterday.
The 20-year-old started on the right flank, setting up the opening goal for Emile Smith Rowe before scoring the third himself ten minutes before half-time.
There has been some criticism of Saka’s lack of end product this season, with some suggesting that Nicolas Pepe is more potent in front of goal, but most supporters on Twitter agree that the Englishman put an end to the debate with his display against Spurs:
Can’t believe he wasn’t playing there earlier in the season literally world class 🌶⭐️
— 𝔻𝕒𝕟 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 (@danwallaceow) September 26, 2021
Can’t believe there’s even a question as to who should start on the right.
— GJBK (@GJBKArsenal) September 26, 2021
Right! He has to play there, it’s his best position.
— AL9💪 (@Ink_The_Emperor) September 26, 2021
i don't want to see pepe touching that rw position again
— hussein abdallah (@donhusseinnn) September 26, 2021
Created Smith Rowe's goal with his weaker foot too. That is where he is better than Pepe. Pepe always has to stop or slow his run to try and cut in, or at least create space to get the ball on his weaker foot, that makes him really predictable. Saka can come in or go wide.
— Hamza (@alpha_dweeb) September 26, 2021
Much more consistent than Pepe
— Colin Wint (@WintColin) September 26, 2021
Young players do go through patches of poor form and they will lack consistency at times, but Saka has all the attributes to be a world-class player. You only have to look at his performance yesterday to see his massive potential.
Both Saka and Arsenal will be hoping to use this morale-boosting win in the derby to kick on and put a strong run of results together.
