Paul Merson says Bukayo Saka becomes a ‘different player’ when Arteta does one thing at Arsenal

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Arsenal had a great start against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The Gunners went into the game at the Emirates without a league win in their last four games. That had brought down the mood around the club, and things became more worrying after seeing the team news.

Arsenal fans were shocked to see the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho start the game ahead of Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey.

But, the hosts started the game brilliantly and were all over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Bukayo Saka becomes a ‘different player’ when Mikel Arteta starts Martin Odegaard

There were a few doubts over Bukayo Saka‘s availability for Arsenal’s game against Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old limped off the pitch in the game against Chelsea and had to withdraw from the England squad during the recently concluded international break.

However, Saka was declared fit and the Arsenal number seven started in his usual right-wing position.

Arsenal dominated the game from the very first minute. Saka and Martin Odegaard were constantly combining and wreaking havoc in the final third.

Then, in the 15th minute, Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal with a thunderous left-footed strike. It was a fantastic goal.

Paul Merson, who was on Sky Sports duty, was blown away by the Arsenal winger. He thinks Saka becomes a ‘different player’ every time Odegaard starts with him.

He said: “He smashes it into the far corner! What an effort, it’s an unbelievable finish. Arsenal deserve that goal!”

Merson then added: “Saka is a different player when he plays with Odegaard. Arsenal are dominating this game.”

Odegaard deserves special praise for Saka’s goal

You can’t take anything away from Saka’s strike – it was truly incredible.

The Englishman could’ve taken the easier option and passed it to Mikel Merino inside the box, but he took the responsibility and smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Saka deserves all the praise in the world, but Odegaard pulled off a brilliant pass to the Arsenal number seven inside the box just a few moments earlier.

That was magnificent – this is exactly what Arsenal were missing when the Norwegian was out with his ankle injury.

Odegaard is the reason why Arsenal were so good in the first half.