Bukayo Saka’s stunning opener during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest split the sides early in the first half and eventually catapulted the Gunners to victory.
After not winning their last four Premier League games, Saturday’s home clash with Forest was a game in which Arsenal simply could not afford to drop points.
The return of club captain Martin Odegaard just before the international break was good news for fans, who will have been delighted to see their star skipper once again. But, he was an England international From who earned all the plaudits at the Emirates, scoring a sensational strike in the opening 15 minutes to silence any doubters. Despite not being linked with his country to face the Republic of Ireland and Greece this November, Saka was immediately thrust into action against Forest.
his it was time for the magic after a pass from Odegaard. Saka drove sideways across the box with fluidity and style, before slotting home a mesmerizing effort. He impressed again early in the second half when he set up a perfect shot for Thomas Partey to make it 2-0.
Not only Saka’s efforts were seen arsenal record his first league win since early October, but the winger also managed a number of statistical feats.
There is only one player since the start of last PL season with:
More than 20 goals
More than 15 assists
More than 120 opportunities createdThis player is Bukayo Saka. pic.twitter.com/mkAAi5LIe6
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) November 23, 2024
Saka became the first player to be directly involved in eight Premier League home goals this season. He also still leads the league in assists, recording eight after setting up Partey. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah sits just behind with six assists.
Overall, Saka’s 43 Premier League assists are now one more than manager Mikel Arteta’s 42.
according to to choosehis first goal was also Saka’s first with an assist from Odegaard since February, nine months ago.
His game-changing efforts against Forest paid off as Arsenal looked to silence those who had doubted their title chances this season. They will return to action on Tuesday when they face a Ruben Amorim-less Sporting CP in the Champions League.
