Bukayo Saka just managed one thing Arsenal legend Robert Pires never did vs Southampton

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Bukayo Saka is well on the way to becoming an Arsenal legend.

Bukayo Saka once again made a decisive impact for Arsenal against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The Hale End academy graduate registered a goal and two assists to inspire Mikel Arteta’s side to a comeback at the Emirates Stadium. 

Saka was a true creative force for Arsenal in this match, and certainly not for the first time. He has already recorded seven Premier League assists this season. 

The 23-year-old’s importance to Arsenal can scarcely be overstated. Despite his relative youth, he is already a talismanic figure.

Saka has emerged as a leader for Arsenal too, and demonstrated those qualities on the pitch against Southampton as he was seen demanding more from Gabriel Jesus after the Brazilian striker made a poor decision whilst on the ball. 

• READ MORE: Who are The Invincibles? Meet the Arsenal record-breakers who became Premier League legends

Bukayo Saka overtakes Robert Pires’ Arsenal record

As reported by TNT Sports on Instagram, Saka has now registered more Premier League assists for Arsenal than Robert Pires managed in his playing career. 

Saka now has a tally of 42 Premier League assists to his name, following his brace of set ups against Southampton. He has achieved this feat after just 176 top flight outings for the club.

Meanwhile, in 189 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, between 2000 and 2006, Pires racked up 41 assists.

Saka aiming to match silverware achievements of former Arsenal greats

Of course, the French winger is an icon in North London. He was a key figure in the 2003/04 Arsenal squad, which won the Premier League title that season without losing a single game in the competition, earning themselves the Invincibles moniker.

In total, Pires won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups in his time at Arsenal. Saka’s aim will now be to collect some major silverware of his own. 

The Gunners will be aiming to take Manchester City’s Premier League crown this season, having finished as runners up in each of the last two campaigns. If Arsenal are successful in this mission, then Saka will surely have played a key role in their triumph.

Arteta has promised Arsenal fans that silverware is on the way, and Saka is now playing with a real determination to make that vow come true.