Alan Shearer tips Bukayo Saka to achieve career first this season after ‘outstanding’ Arsenal display

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Bukayo Saka made a statement for Arsenal in their Premier League opener against Wolves. 

Arsenal recorded a 2-0 win against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with Bukayo Saka providing a goal and an assist.

The 22-year-old winger is a talismanic figure in North London. Having come through the Gunners’ own Hale End academy system, and having already been a key player for a number of years, the attacker is utterly beloved by Arsenal supporters.

Arsenal fans were wowed by Saka again as he showed his quality against Wolves. The attacker’s cross for Kai Havertz’s goal was inch-perfect, and his own finish to seal the result in the second half was emphatic. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house

Alan Shearer expects Bukayo Saka to hit new heights for Arsenal

Alan Shearer is expecting big things from Saka this season, based on the form that he has hit the ground running with in the new campaign. 

The former Newcastle United striker selected the Arsenal ace in his official Premier League team of the week, following the first round of fixtures.

Off the back of Saka’s display against Wolves, Shearer said: “A goal and an assist. Outstanding for Arsenal. Could reach 20 Premier League goals this season.”

Saka has never hit 20 Premier League goals in a single Premier League campaign before. His best return in the top flight of English football came last time around when he racked up 16 strikes.

Saka has improved his output in front of goal in each season of his career so far though, so there is good reason to expect him to make progress again on this occasion. 

Mikel Arteta must protect Saka

Saka’s importance to this Arsenal side can hardly be overstated. Mikel Arteta will know how vital it is that the player can remain fit and firing on all cylinders throughout the campaign.

As such, the manager will need to take measures to protect him at times. Against Wolves, he took the winger off with ten minutes to go. Last season, Saka suffered with fatigue at one stage, which underlines the importance of affording him a rest whenever possible. 

However, Saka will of course still play a great deal of football this season, and he is expected to deliver for the Gunners, who will be targeting another title charge.