Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has compared star forward Bukayo Saka to Argentine legend Lionel Messi after Saka’s impressive performance in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Saka played a pivotal role in securing Arsenal’s win, assisting Kai Havertz’s opening goal and later scoring to seal the victory. His performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade and drew high praise from Arteta.
After the game, Arteta was asked about Saka’s ability to consistently cut in on his left foot and leave defenders in his wake. He likened this aspect of Saka’s game to that of Messi, stating, “With good players, it’s like that. With Messi, I know he’s gonna come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players.”
Saka’s goal against Wolves was a promising start to the season for the young winger, who was Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League last season with 16 goals.
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His assist for Havertz further showcased his all-around ability and set him on the right path to achieving double digits in both goals and assists for the third consecutive season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Bukayo Saka after the game. Arteta is hopeful that Saka can live up to the lofty comparison to Messi, a feat that could significantly bolster Arsenal’s campaign to win their first Premier League title in over two decades. The Gunners are expected to be strong contenders for the title this season, aiming to challenge reigning champions Manchester City.
Following their opening-day victory, Arsenal sit second on the Premier League table, trailing Brighton & Hove Albion only on goal difference. The win has set a positive tone for the Gunners, with Saka’s standout performance highlighting his importance to the team’s ambitions.
Arteta’s faith in Saka reflects the young forward’s rising status in the football world. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Saka can continue to deliver performances reminiscent of the legendary Messi, driving Arsenal towards long-awaited Premier League glory.
