‘Outstanding’: BBC pundit left amazed by 21-year-old Arsenal star, says his first touch is ‘impeccable’

By Milo Clay

Garth Crooks has been left amazed by Arsenal star Bukayo Saka over the past week and labelled his first touch ‘impeccable’ on BBC Sport. 

Arsenal have picked up where they left off before the World Cup break and stormed into a seven point lead at the top of the Premier League. 

The Gunners picked up a convincing 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday after beating West Ham 3-1 earlier in the week. 

Saka got on the scoresheet on both occasions and has built on his brilliant performances at the World Cup. 

The 21-year-old opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s men on Saturday with a composed finish and helped his side capitalise on Manchester City dropping points against Everton. 

Now, Crooks has heaped praise on Saka for his performances over the past week and was particularly impressed by his goal against Brighton. 

Crooks left amazed by Saka 

Crooks named Saka in his Team of the Week for a second time over the past seven days and highlighted the youngster’s work-rate during Arsenal’s win over Brighton.  

“In a matter of days Bukayo Saka has made my team selection on two separate occasions. He was outstanding against West Ham and then played a crucial part in the dismantling of Brighton at the Amex stadium,” he said. 

“What always stands out for me with this player is he always starts a game quickly and is an immediate threat to the opposition. His first touch, to set up his goal against Brighton in just a matter of seconds, was impeccable.” 

“His ability to defend and be a team player is also commendable. It is a feature of Mikel Arteta’s style of play and the demands he places on each and every one of his players.” 

Saka has certainly been a standout performer for Arsenal this season and he’s seemingly gained even more confidence after starring for England in Qatar. 

The Gunners star is developing into a lethal finisher and has really stepped up over the past week in Gabriel Jesus’ absence. 

Arteta’s side seem to be dealing with the Brazilian’s injury better than many expected and Eddie Nketiah has now bagged two goals in as many games. 

Arsenal will be mindful that they still need reinforcements this month but Arteta is proving that his squad is more than capable of challenging for the title.