Arsenal ended 2020 in style, beating Brighton and Hove Albion by a goal to nil. The Gunners have now won back to back games in the league for the first time since September, and Mikel Arteta has one man to thank for the victory.
Bukayo Saka picked up his second Man of the Match award in as many games. The teenager was Arsenal’s best player on the pitch last night, and his brilliant run and assist proved to be the difference between the two sides at the end.
Arsenal fans and Arteta are thrilled to have the youngster in their side. Saka has been earning a ton of plaudits from many in the country, and Brighton boss Graham Potter is the latest entry into his fan club.
He told Press Bureau TV after the game: “I think we’ve tried to press a bit high initially and then Saka has done really well on the half-way line and he’s shown a great turn of pace to create the opportunity.”
“We recovered a bit too fast, which has opened up space. It’s down the football action that Saka does, which affects everything else, and we didn’t adjust to that well enough.”
Potter is right – it was all down to Saka’s brilliant run
Saka’s assist to Alexandre Lacazette means that the teenager has been directly involved in five goals already this term. He has played in a variety of positions already, but his performances on the right flank are proving to be the most productive.
Brighton were arguably the better side in the first half. However, Arsenal came out firing and Saka was involved in almost every one of our attacks.
Sadly, he only lasted up until the 81st minute. Saka hobbled off injured and that has caused some panic among Arsenal supporters. However, he seemed to be alright after the game, and Arteta will be hoping that he will be ready when we go to West Brom on Saturday.
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