Gary Lineker suggests why ‘creative’ Arsenal player might be Mikel Arteta’s favourite

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Gary Lineker singled out one Arsenal player for high praise after the Premier League win over Fulham.

Arsenal flexed their defensive superiority against Fulham to earn another clean sheet and go top of the Premier League table.

It’s been two Premier League matches since Arsenal last conceded a goal, and even more remarkably, two matches since the Gunners last conceded a shot on target.

Marco Silva praised Gabriel Magalhaes after the game, but it wasn’t just those in defence that contributed, as Gary Lineker noticed the attackers putting in the work.

Bukayo Saka was unplayable against Fulham, not just going forward, but when tracking back also.

• READ MORE: Arsenal star admits he kept doing something ‘rubbish’ during Fulham clash, ‘did you not see?’

Gary Lineker says Bukayo Saka epitomises Arsenal’s style

Lineker singled Saka out for praise after the contest, as the winger collected a well-deserved Man of the Match award.

When analysing the game on The Rest Is Football podcast, the pundit shared his belief that Saka ‘epitomises’ Arsenal’s style more than most. 

“I think Saka kind of epitomises the way they play, doesn’t he?” Lineker said.

“He’s very creative at times, but also defensively, he works so hard up and down there. He’s feeling his way back, obviously, after being out for a little while.”

The Arsenal academy graduate not only showcases an array of club values week in week out, but is the poster boy for Mikel Arteta’s project.

Against Fulham, Saka showed that, being a constant threat in the final third, as well as putting in a shift defensively, something the Arsenal manager will be so proud of.

Mikel Arteta must appreciate Saka so much

If there’s one player Arteta can rely on to maintain his standards and style of play on the pitch, it’s Saka.

Jamie Redknapp said Saka is irreplaceable to Arsenal after the contest, and for good reason, as few players can consistently play the ‘Arteta way’ better than the 24-year-old. 

If six successful dribbles and seven key passes weren’t enough for the winger to impress Arteta, then Saka’s 14 duel wins and nine recoveries would’ve made all the difference.

Arteta values players who can contribute in all areas of the pitch to maintain flexibility in all areas, something Saka does exceptionally well.

There’s a reason why Saka is one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheets, and Lineker noticed it against Fulham, as the England international ticked every box for his manager.