"Doing it when the team needs it, not when it's 3-0. That's what defines a top player" - Mikel Arteta said after Bukayo Saka made the difference for Arsenal in a 3-1 win over Southampton.
Saka created Arsenal's first two goals before scoring himself and sealing the game. The England striker has been showered with praise after his impressive performance at the Emirates. And Arteta certainly has plenty to say about his student.
"I definitely want to see Bukayo Saka continue to develop his leadership role. That's a maturity that every player has to go through.
He has been at Arsenal long enough to prove that role. When you want to reach the top, you have to know how to create moments that change the game, help the team overcome difficulties. Today, Bukayo Saka did that well" - the Spanish strategist commented on Saka.
Two assists against Southampton took Saka's Premier League tally to seven this season, and he has overtaken Chelsea's Cole Palmer as the league's most creative player. There is always some debate over assist figures, depending on the finishing of other players. However, there is no denying the creativity in the chances Saka creates for his teammates.
The 23-year-old has created 27 chances in the Premier League this season, at least four more than any other player. He has also created 13 big chances in the league this season, at least five more than any other player.
Not only in terms of assists, Saka is also improving himself in many aspects. "I think this is a step further than what he has done. It is encouraging that the number of chances Saka creates per 90 minutes continues to increase every season" - Arteta added.
Saka has been a key player for the Gunners in the last two seasons and the numbers show that the England international is improving. Only Kevin De Bruyne has more Premier League assists than Saka over the last three seasons.
The 3-1 win over Southampton gave The Gunners 17 points after 7 matches. They are now 1 point behind leaders Liverpool in the rankings.
