‘Baller’, ‘Exceptional player’, some Arsenal fans are happy with teenager’s display at Bournemouth

A selection of Arsenal fans have hailed the display of Bukayo Saka during the club’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The teenager has been regularly starting at left-back in the past few months due to the injury absence of Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney, and he came up with a man of the match performance at the Vitality Stadium with a goal and an assist within the opening 26 minutes.

Saka scored the opening goal in the fifth minute with a thunderous drive which beat goalkeeper Mark Travers at his near post. After the midway stage of the first half, the 18-year-old provided the perfect cross for Eddie Nketiah, who bagged his first goal for the club since his loan return from Leeds United.

The Gunners graduate combined impressively alongside Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank at multiple stages of the game and he found himself operating in a more attacking role with Granit Xhaka dropping into the central defence when the team had the possession of the ball.

Here are some of the reactions from the fans over Saka’s showing…

Saka is on three goals and six assists this season, plus he set up that Martinelli goal vs Sheffield United that didn’t officially go down as an assist.

Nine goal contributions even with his move to left-back is great for his age.

— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) January 27, 2020

Bukayo Saka has 9 goals and assists in 22 matches this season. He played most of them as a left-back. I don’t think people realise what a massive prospect this kid is. 18 years old only. Straight to the top

— Aubazettes (@Aubazettes) January 27, 2020

Bukayo Saka has 3 goals and 8 assists playing a lot of a time at left-back. Out of position. We keep talking about Greenwood and Martinelli, as most promising PL talents, but everyone is sleeping on Saka. Deserves more respect. Baller! ⚽️🅰️

— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) January 27, 2020

Don’t let Gabriel Martinelli being the best teenager in world football distract you from the fact that Bukayo Saka is the second best teenager in world football.

— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) January 27, 2020

Bukayo Saka has 3 goals and 8 assists this season playing at Left Back majority of the time. Exceptional player.

— WorldwideArsenal™ (@WorldwideAFC) January 27, 2020

Saka has benefited with regular playing time of late with both Kolasinac and Tierney out of contention due to injuries and he has done a credible job from the left side of the defence where he is far from a specialist.

The youngster should continue to command the role for the forthcoming Premier League clash at Burnley. Kolasinac could return from a thigh strain after the mid-season break.