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Martin Keown reacts to Bukayo Saka’s display in Arsenal win

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Martin Keown has told BT Sport (broadcast on 26/1; 22:01) that Bukayo Saka seems to be getting better and better as he named the youngster as the man of the match in Arsenal’s win over Southampton on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s men got back to winning ways after their weekend disappointment. They came from behind to secure the three points at St Mary’s.

Arsenal FC v Rapid Wien: Group B - UEFA Europa League
(Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Saka got on the scoresheet with Arsenal’s second. It was a moment of brilliance from the 19-year-old. And he provided another during the second-half as he set up Alexandre Lacazette for the visitors’ third.

His performance prompted Keown to name the teenager as his man of the match. And he explained his decision as he watched another replay of Saka’s goal.

Leeds United v Arsenal - Premier League
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“For me, he just gets better and better,” he told BT Sport. “Fantastic goal that he scored. He has to do this almost in one movement, we thought he might take another touch. He has the quality to slot it home.

“You play him on the left, you play him on the right, it doesn’t matter. And of course, he got the assist also for Lacazette’s goal.”

Remarkably, it could be argued that Saka – who earns £40,000-a-week, according to the Daily Mail – is still not getting the credit he deserves. He has scored five goals in the Premier League already this season.

To put that into context, the next highest-scoring teenager in the top flight this term is Fabio Silva. The Wolves striker has two goals to his name.

The consistency he has shown has led to many simply expecting him to make a difference every time he steps out onto the pitch.

Arteta, of course, will be wary of putting too much pressure on Saka. But there has, so far, been no reason to believe that he will not continue to go from strength to strength.