Martin Keown heaped praise on Gunners forward Bukayo Saka as Arsenal continued their impressive run of form by beating PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League.
The north Londoners secured their fourth consecutive win in the Europa League to confirm their spot in the knockout stages. The visitors put up a resilient fight, and Mikel Arteta’s men were struggling to break the deadlock in the first half.
Granit Xhaka’s goal proved to be the difference between both sides. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s cross was brilliantly volleyed into the bottom corner by the Switzerland international. But it was Saka who impressed Keown the most.
The 21-year-old had a lively start to the game. He was a constant threat down the right wing, and the PSV defenders struggled to contain him all night. He even came close to doubling the advantage but was denied by Walter Benitez.
The Highbury icon was delighted with the display produced by the youngster. While speaking on BT Sport, he said:
“Saka – every time I watch him play, he’s wonderful. He gets better every time.”
“His upper body strength is first class, the way he runs past. He’s just swatting players now. He’s going from strength to strength.”
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There were concerns over Saka after he suffered from a knock to his leg late in the match. He needed some medical attention on the pitch, but much to the relief of the home support, the youngster seemed to have run off the knock.
The Englishman has been an integral part of the squad this season, playing week in and week out. With the World Cup right around the corner, Arteta cannot risk overplaying him. Now that they have qualified for the knockout stages, midweek games should provide the Spaniard an opportunity to rotate his squad and rest the regular players.
Meanwhile, the north Londoners have won nine of their ten games this season. With 27 points they are on top of the Premier League table. They will be determined to continue their momentum when they travel to face Southampton on Sunday.
