Arsenal continued their incredible run in the Champions League with a win over Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta’s men were the better team from start to finish, and deservedly won the game thanks to goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and a brace from Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede won the Player of the Match award for his two goals, but another player has earned some praise from the Spanish media – Bukayo Saka.
Spanish press deliver verdict on Bukayo Saka’s performance for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
Saka has had a fine season for Arsenal so far.
The Englishman hasn’t scored or assisted as many goals as he would’ve liked, but he has had a positive impact every time he has played.
Saka won the Player of the Match award against Fulham at the weekend, and although he didn’t get his hands on the trophy on Tuesday, he should still be very happy with his performance.
The Spanish media definitely seem impressed with Saka, and they have had their say on the problems he caused to Atletico Madrid’s backline.
AS wrote: “Another loss (of the ball) by Hancko meant Oblak had to leave his own area to block all the spaces for Saka after a pass from Eze. The Slovenian seemed to be hurt, but he continued; a false alarm.
“The Slovak (Hancko) was a toy in Saka’s hands. Well, at his feet. With his back the size of a tunnel on the M-30 highway without traffic, directly at Oblak. Constant torture.”
Marca added: “The start was difficult on two fronts. Because the home side’s right flank was a sledgehammer, with Timber and Saka making life miserable for a slow Hancko with little help, and because errors kept coming out.”
Bukayo Saka’s stats vs Atletico Madrid
Saka tormented David Hanco time and again during Arsenal’s win over Atletico Madrid.
The Slovakian defender has been solid for Atleti all season, but his display at the Emirates was comfortably his worst of the campaign.
That is all down to Saka’s brilliance.
The Arsenal number seven had 54 touches of the ball and completed 26 of his 28 attempted passes, thus maintaining an impressive 93 per cent passing accuracy.
He had five shots at goal, made five recoveries, three interceptions and also a clearance. (Sofascore)
It’s a shame that Saka didn’t get a goal or an assist again, but his performances have been top-class, and he will start finding the net very soon.
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