Bukayo Saka has accomplished something at Arsenal that even Cesc Fabregas was unable to achieve.
Bukayo Saka found the net again as Arsenal triumphed 3-0 over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday. He opened the scoring with a stunning goal in the first half.
The recent international break seems to have benefitted the Hale End graduate. After withdrawing from the England squad, Saka stayed in North London to focus on regaining his fitness. His goal against Nottingham Forest delighted Arsenal fans, and manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping Saka is now back to his peak form and fitness.
For Arsenal to mount a serious title challenge, they will need Saka to be in top shape and fully firing.
Saka has become a key figure at Arsenal, having progressed through the club’s academy and quickly establishing himself as a regular in the first team while still a teenager. Now 23, he is one of the club’s greatest academy success stories, and his achievements rival those of Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas, who joined Arsenal in 2004 under Arsène Wenger, made 303 appearances for the club and scored 50 Premier League goals in 350 top-flight games across Arsenal and Chelsea. Saka, however, has now scored 51 Premier League goals in just 181 appearances, surpassing Fabregas’ record.
Additionally, Saka’s teammate Ethan Nwaneri became Arsenal’s youngest Premier League goalscorer since Fabregas with his goal against Nottingham Forest.
Saka’s career statistics are impressive, especially given his age, and he stands as the most productive attacker in Arteta’s squad:
Premier League: 181 appearances, 51 goals, 43 assists
FA Cup: 11 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
EFL Cup: 11 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
Community Shield: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists
Europa League: 25 appearances, 5 goals, 7 assists
Champions League: 12 appearances, 5 goals, 4 assists
Total: 246 appearances, 63 goals, 58 assists
Saka has been praised as world-class, and he continues to live up to that reputation. To ensure he achieves the silverware his talent deserves, it is crucial that Arsenal surrounds him with the quality he needs.
