Saka’s ‘rare’ talent fuels Arsenal’s title charge

Fulham v Arsenal Premier League 12/03/2023. Bukayo Saka 7 of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage, London, England on 12 March 2023. 

Bukayo Saka will re-focus on Arsenal’s Premier League title push on Saturday after enhancing his reputation as one of the world’s top young players with a wonder goal in England colours.

The forward has played a central role in the Gunners’ bid to be crowned champions for the first time since 2004 while also starring for Gareth Southgate’s national side.

No longer merely a promising prodigy from Arsenal’s youth academy, the 21-year-old scored a stunning goal in England’s 2-0 win against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley last Sunday.

In a breathtaking blur of grace and guile, Saka turned away from the Ukraine defence before unleashing a glorious shot that arrowed into the top corner from 20 yards.

It was Saka’s eighth international goal — only Dixie Dean, Jimmy Greaves, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have netted more for England at such a young age.

For Saka’s Arsenal team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko, at Wembley in his role as Ukraine captain, it was a rare occasion when he was not pleased by the forward’s ability to produce a moment of pure artistry.

Saka had already set up England’s opening goal for Harry Kane with a pin-point cross.

“He is an amazing player, we know that,” said Zinchenko. “He is on fire at the moment.

“There are no friends on the pitch and unfortunately he beat me. In these kind of games, big players decide the game.”

Zinchenko and Saka will be back on the same side when Arsenal host Leeds on Saturday looking to maintain their eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City as the title race enters the final furlong.

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