Arsenal fans have noticed something different about Bukayo Saka following the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
After a difficult first half, Arsenal showed that they have the resilience to win games that they don’t necessarily excel in.
The Gunners were far from their usual standards at Villa Park however, were able to walk away from the Midlands with three points and a clean sheet.
Last season, Arsenal lost both home and away against Unai Emery’s side, telling of the growth evident already this term.
From being able to grind out results to keeping clean sheets on the road, positive change is happening in North London.
Change is not only evident in the squad as a collective, with Arsenal fans noticing something a little different about Bukayo Saka after the opening two games.
The Englishman has started the campaign with three goal contributions in two however, it’s not just his form on the pitch that’s impressing supporters.
Arsenal fans notice Bukayo Saka moment in Aston Villa win
The most important thing from the victory was that Arsenal secured the win and kept a clean sheet, something that the Gunners have become accustomed to under Mikel Arteta.
Fans noticed something else that required celebration, as Saka was praised for showing a healthy bit of arrogance when walking past Villa fans.
The England international put his finger to his lips when walking past the home fans after being substituted, calling for them to quieten down after booing him for the entire game.
Saka silenced the crowd at Villa Park in the best possible way by winning the game however, Arsenal fans were quick to praise the winger’s cheeky gesture.
“Saka with a touch of venom = destroyer of worlds,” one supporter said, as another agreed by saying, “Boy is turning to a man.”
Others were quick to form comparisons between Saka’s actions and those of Thierry Henry, who was an untouchable figure on the pitch for Arsenal.
“Thierry always had that swagger too,” one noticed, as other supporters shared such opinion, “Thierry Henry attitude. I Love It!”
‘Shhhing’ the away fans was not the only show of arrogance that Saka displayed during the game, as the winger riled up the away supporters after winning a challenge against Villa defender Lucas Digne.
“He finally got that big player presence,” one fan said, “Arrogance!! And I love it!!!”
Other supporters formed a link between the way Saka carried himself at Villa Park and the Hale End graduate’s desire to win major silverware in North London.
“It reminds me of how Messi had something about him that felt so different during the World Cup. It was a mindset saying that this is his time.”
“Not a kid anymore!!!! Wants what is due to him now,” a supporter said, “Need it, and that’s also what will take him to the absolute highest level.”
Saka will be desperate to win the Premier League title
Having spent his entire career at Arsenal, there are very few in the current squad who understand the importance of Arteta’s project more than Saka.
The Hale End graduate has been there through the good times and the terrible, being a fan favourite throughout for his tireless effort and desire to achieve things with the club.
Now, the 22-year-old is showing a new side and an animalistic hunger to reach the next level with his boyhood club, something that has been made possible by Arteta and his teammates over the last few years.
What’s missing is a Premier League winners medal, and of course the dream of winning the Champions League, highs that everyone in North London will be hoping for, with few more motivated than Saka.
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