Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has admitted that he found it ‘tough’ playing against Bukayo Saka in the FA Cup third round last week as the Arsenal ace is a rare winger.
The Reds eliminated Arsenal from the world’s oldest national football competition with a 2-0 result at Emirates Stadium. Liverpool hung on in the first half before an own goal from Jakub Kiwior (80’) broke the deadlock. Luis Diaz (90’+5) settled the meeting late in stoppage time.
Arsenal had plenty of chances to put themselves in control of Sunday’s FA Cup encounter in the first period. But Kai Havertz and Reiss Nelson often took an extra touch to cost them the chance to score. Martin Odegaard also rattled the crossbar and Saka wasted a few chances.
Bukayo Saka attempted Arsenal’s second-most shots vs Liverpool
Saka had a flurry of chances to score throughout the tie as Arsenal lost at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup. He wasted one particular shot early in the second half when Havertz played an inviting cross into the 22-year-old. He also sliced another wide as Alisson denied Havertz.
It was also from a move of Saka’s creation that Odegaard, ultimately, rattled the crossbar. He dispossessed Gomez with ease on the touchline deep into Liverpool’s defensive third before finding Havertz. But Nelson could not meet the false-nine’s cutback before Odegaard let rip.
Altogether, Saka accounted for five of the 18 shots Arsenal attempted against Liverpool, per WhoScored. Only Havertz (6) recorded more efforts on Allison’s goal than the Hale End hero. But only one of the Arsenal academy product’s strikes forced the goalkeeper to make a save.
What has Joe Gomez said about Bukayo Saka after the FA Cup tie?
Gomez had a front-row seat for Saka’s FA Cup exploits after lining up as Liverpool’s left-back at Arsenal. He has also admitted that the 32-cap England winger was a difficult customer to deal with. The 26-year-old further believes Saka is among a rare breed of modern forwards.
“It’s tough playing against Bukayo Saka,” Gomez said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “He’s obviously a top player and a direct winger.
“It’s not often the case these days in the Premier League but he’s one that will stay wide to pick up the ball and drive at you. It was tough and I knew it was going to be having played against him so recently.”
Gomez also played against Saka in the Premier League on December 23 when Liverpool held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw. The former Charlton Athletic prospect replaced Konstantinos Tsimikas after 35 minutes at Anfield. They may even meet again in the Premier League on February 4.
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