Arsenal legend Thierry Henry states 22-year-old proved he’s ‘world-class’ vs Luton Town

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Bukayo Saka proved away to Luton Town why the attacker is seen as a ‘world-class’ player as he ‘finds a way’ to make a difference.

The 22-year-old helped inspire Arsenal to a 4-3 win at Kenilworth Road this Tuesday night. Saka fed Gabriel Martinelli in the area to open the scoring after 20 minutes. But the Gunners required Declan Rice to step up in the 96th minute after Luton had claimed a shock 3-2 lead.

Saka now has 12 assists and eight goals to his name from 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season. The winger has registered seven of his assists and five goals in 14 Premier League games, as well. He has four assists and three goals over five Champions League ties.

Bukayo Saka reached 200 Arsenal appearances at Luton Town

Martinelli put Arsenal ahead at Luton after quick-thinking from Gabriel Jesus to hastily take a throw-in to Saka. Jesus put the winger clean through in the box to cut the ball back after a sloppy mix-up between the Hatters’ left-back Amari’i Bell and goalkeeper, Thomas Kaminski.

Saka was on the same brainwave as Jesus to peel into the area before Luton could get set to defend. The Arsenal academy product then laid the ball on a plate for Martinelli to send it in at the far corner. Saka has now influenced a goal in 16 of his 21 appearances yet this season.

Thierry Henry believes Bukayo Saka proved he is ‘world-class’

Tuesday’s trip to Luton further marked Saka’s 200th senior appearance for Arsenal across all competitions. He has also recorded 46 goals and 52 assists at the first-team level since Unai Emery awarded the attacker his debut. Saka broke through in November 2018 aged only 17.

Arsenal have relished the rise of Saka ever since his debut, even during the days when Mikel Arteta used the Hale End hero as a wing-back. Now, his ability to always make a difference in games convinces Arsenal legend Henry there are zero arguments on if Saka is world-class.

“He finds a way,” Henry said on Amazon Prime after Arsenal edged Luton. “This is why we were talking about Arsenal and obviously Bukayo Saka, is he world-class? He finds a way to be effective, whether he needs to defend for five minutes or [in the attack].”