Merson names one thing Saka has done for Arsenal that ‘won’t be done again’

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Paul Merson has had his say on Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka’s incredible consistency.

Bukayo Saka is in line to start his 86th consecutive Premier League game when Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium later today.

Barring a late fitness concern, Mikel Arteta will certainly name Saka in his starting XI to face Spurs. Saka is a talismanic figure for the Gunners and is tactically vital as so much of Arsenal’s attacking play is built up on the right flank where the 22-year-old can link up with Martin Odegaard and Ben White.

Consistency is what has kept Saka in the Arsenal team with such regularity. He has now started more consecutive Premier League matches for the north London club than any other player, having recently eclipsed Paul Merson’s record. He will be expecting to extend his own record further on Sunday afternoon. 

Merson himself has now had his say on what makes Saka so special. Referencing the 30-cap England international’s appearance record whilst speaking on Sky Sports (23/90/2023, 13:42), the former midfielder said, “phenomenal, that won’t be done again. In this day and age, where you are bringing players in and out of the team, you are resting them before big games. It just shows how important he is week in, week out. Absolutely unbelievable.”

Saka has capacity to produce moment of magic against Spurs

If Arsenal are to get a result against Spurs, then Saka will have to be at his best. The £195,000-a-week attacker has had some brilliant north London derby moments in the past and has the capacity to produce a defining performance in this match.

Both sides are coming into this clash in good form, having each taken 13 points from their five Premier League fixtures so far. New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has improved the mood and performances at the club.

However, Arteta will still expect his side to get the job done and claim all three points from this bitter grudge match, allowing them to remain within touching distance of early pace-setters Manchester City.