Hard Work Paying Off For Arsenal Forward, with Pundit Jamie Redknapp describing Saka’s display as frightening
Footboom and RTEi
In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal continued their impressive run of form with a commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham, marking their third consecutive win and an astonishing 13 goals in just three matches. The Gunners, who struggled in the season’s early stages, are now soaring high in the Premier League.
While Martin Odegaard’s return has undoubtedly been pivotal, it’s young star Bukayo Saka who has emerged as the driving force for Arsenal.
His notable contribution of one goal and two assists propelled him to 15 goal involvements in just 12 league matches this season. Saka’s tenacity earned a crucial penalty for their third goal, showcasing his essential role in the team.
Describing Saka’s display as “frightening,” pundit Jamie Redknapp acknowledged that the 22-year-old forward is playing at a level that very few in the league can match. Only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has a higher direct involvement in goals this season. On current form, Saka is proving to be just as lethal as the renowned Liverpool ace.
Mikel Arteta will be particularly pleased with the diverse sources of Arsenal’s attacking prowess. The Gunners’ last three matches have seen nine different players getting on the scoresheet, showcasing their versatility and unpredictability. West Ham were caught off guard, suffering damage from both set-pieces and open play.
After the match, Arteta praised Saka’s influence, calling it “incredible,” but he was quick to emphasize the importance of the team’s collective effort. “Having various ways to score makes us unpredictable,” he stated. With Arsenal and Saka both on an upward trajectory, their title ambitions remain firmly in sight.
Just as they had at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, Arsenal had five different scorers, with Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka finding the net.
West Ham waited until they were 4-0 down before showing a modicum of fight, with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri briefly making things interesting.
But Saka’s penalty before half-time put Arsenal back in control as the Hammers’ revival, which lasted precisely one match – Monday night’s win at Newcastle – came to an embarrassing end and no doubt raised more questions about the future of manager Julen Lopetegui.
Arsenal took the lead after only 10 minutes via a new corner routine, overloading the far post before, as Saka swung the ball in, all charging across goal at once.
