Arsenal ended their losing streak in the Premier League as they shared the spoils with Southampton. One of the bright spots during the game was the performance of youngster Bukayo Saka and fans were quick to notice this.
The North London club went behind to a goal from former player Theo Walcott but equalized through captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. A red card to center-back Gabriel halted the hosts in their tracks and allowed the visiting Saints to dominate the game from then on, but the Gunners held on to secure a point.
Though the defence did well especially in the last half an hour, it was Saka who caught the eye of everyone. The Englishman playing as a wing back was going up and down the pitch, causing Southampton all sorts of problems.
Anything good that the Emirates club did in attack was invariably down to what Saka did. His pace, energy and skill on the ball made him a real threat. This impressive performance caught the attention of the fans as they showered praise on him.
Here are some of the best comments on the midfielder.
https://twitter.com/ArsenalSportZ/status/1339396856254705665
Bukayo Saka appreciation tweet. pic.twitter.com/BqFZwWvQFR
— 🎑 (@dameotf) December 17, 2020
Appreciation tweet for the Lil Chille! Young Bukayo Saka da Golden boy! The young man who is generational yet making impact in the present! Just look at how effective our set-pieces are with him on the ball!! His drive!! Man deserves all the praise!! Strength!! 🔴⚪️@BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/XzWKwc3fQn
— GravityGooner✨ (@Gravitygunner14) December 17, 2020
Bukayo Saka what a player. https://t.co/thUE2gLRac
— Kieran (@fxckpgmol) December 16, 2020
The Arsenal goal tonight was really lovely. Nice to see a first, fleeting bit of genuine quality in ages. And it was inspired by the tenacity, skill, vision of Bukayo Saka. Hope we get better quick to keep the vultures away, for one thing. #MOTD
— Chris Towers (@ChrisTowers_88) December 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/AFCMo__/status/1339348938034475009
Bukayo Saka is one player I’m grateful to Emery for. 🙏🏽… he’s such an insane baller !
— – Charlie of Umunna – (@CharlieCaker) December 16, 2020
The Gunners are still trying to climb up the Premier League table and getting a point here will help in that regard. Southampton have been in excellent form this season as they currently sit in third place.
They will have a chance to go one better on Saturday as they will be away to Everton. If they can win that game, it will give the players some much needed confidence and momentum. For the Gunners to get anywhere near the Champions League spots, it will need more players to perform like Saka.
The youngster has been one of the most impressive players for the North Londoners this season. He has been able to fill in multiple positions which makes him even more valuable. Mikel Arteta will be happy to see the way he has developed his game and become so integral to the team.
Arsenal need to pick up their form and it is good for them if it happens sooner rather than later. Saka is doing his job very well and if the other players can make a useful contribution like him, the team’s fortunes will certainly start to improve.
