Arsenal’s ‘true captain’ unveiled during North London Derby despite Martin Odegaard injury

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Arsenal recorded a superb victory away at Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, a victory made even more impressive given their absences.

Captain Martin Odegaard missed the game through injury, whilst Declan Rice was also suspended following his red card against Brighton.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko also injured, Arsenal were missing several experienced leaders, but it was anticipated that Bukayo Saka could wear the armband against Spurs.

However, Jorginho came into the team and was handed the armband, and despite a quiet day in possession, the midfielder was hailed for his display against Spurs.

Despite Jorginho wearing the armband, footage has now emerged which shows that Saka was the true leader against Spurs, which shows that the winger is ready to step up as a key leader in the team.

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

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal team talk in North London derby victory

In a clip uploaded to Arsenal’s Instagram page, the camera zoomed in on the team huddle before the game, and it clearly showed that Saka was the one leading the team talk, rather than Jorginho.

Saka went on to provide the assist for Gabriel Magalhaes to head in the winner, and as a Hale End product, the North London rivalry means more to the England winger than anyone else in the squad.

The team talk is usually led by Odegaard, but in recent years other leaders such as Rice, Granit Xhaka and Zinchenko have led the team in this regard, and Saka is now the latest player to step up to show such strong leadership.

Bukayo Saka should be one of Arsenal’s captains

Jorginho was clearly next in line after Odegaard and Rice when it comes to the Arsenal armband given his leadership qualities and experience, but Saka should arguably be higher in the pecking order.

Saka is Arsenal’s talisman, the longest-serving player in the squad and the only key player who came from the academy.

He is also Arsenal’s leader in attack, as the main source of goals and assists, and he is one of the most reliable players at the club when it comes to his fitness. If Rice and Odegaard are absent again, it should be Saka leading the team out for the game.