Bukayo Saka and How Arsenal’s Star Winger Betters Thierry Henry’s Record
Bukayo Saka will go down as an Arsenal legend. There is no doubt about that. However, the Hale End Academy graduate is only furthering his legacy at the club with his recent performances.
Theirry Henry is a bonafide icon for the club. He is one of the all-time greats and is a Premier League legend himself. However, the young English winger has overtaken him and set a record that the Frenchman once had.
Saka Breaks Henry’s Assist Record
Saka has been on fire for the Gunners this season. He has been one of the top performers and continues to have an incredible impact on the squad. He is one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s teamsheet each week when he is available.
Indeed, the 23-year-old is perhaps the most vital name on that teamsheet each week, especially from a creativity standpoint.
Before the trip and defeat to Bournemouth on 19 October, the England winger had managed to break the record for consecutive assists that Henry had previously held.
The Frenchman had set the record of five in 2004/05, but Saka equalled that in the game against Leicester City. It has been questioned, as the goal scored by Leandro Trossard has since been called an own goal. Nonetheless, we can bet Saka will be keeping it as his.
He followed up that assist with two more in the next game when they played Southampton. It was an all-round performance, as he assisted the two before netting the third of the game just before the full-time whistle. Unfortunately, his streak couldn’t continue in the game against Bournemouth, as a first-half red card to William Saliba contributed to a 2-0 defeat on the south coast.
Will Saka Break Henry’s 20-assist Record?
Thierry Henry may have held the record for the most consecutive assists in the opening of a campaign, but he still holds the most for a season. The former #14 recorded a total of 20 assists in the 2002/03 season, when he also netted 24 goals. It wasn’t his best goal-scoring season, but he did become the only player to net and assist more than 20 in one campaign.
That assist total has only been matched once, by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20. But, could Saka reach it? He is already on seven assists in the first eight games of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Indeed, he is expected to have the most assists this season, with the EPL odds confirming this. He’s available at 2/1, with Mohamed Salah (4/1) and Cole Palmer (6/1) behind him in the running. But can he reach 20?
At this stage of the season, it would be a surprise if he didn’t. He is in fine form and looks to be at his best. However, all it can take is for a dip in form to occur or a severe injury to make reaching the milestone more challenging.
Winning the EPL or Assist Record: What Would Saka Prefer?
In an ideal world, Saka would want to win both the league and set the new record for most assists in a season. It’s something that is still extremely possible at this stage of the campaign.
Although the Bournemouth loss will have hurt, it was early enough in the campaign not to have a disastrous impact. Man City and Liverpool are still ahead, but within touching distance.
If the Gunners are going to challenge for the Premier League title, they are going to need Saka at his very best. This is going to involve his creativity. He is going to need to provide the assists that the likes of Kai Havertz, Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli are going to need to score the goals. However, the English winger is going to likely have to chip in with his own goals, too.
The festive period might be the time when we get a better idea of whether any of these feats will be accomplished. As we know, it can be a telling time because of the various games played over a short period.
If he can continue his good form, then it could be a very celebratory season for the Hale End Academy graduate and everyone at Arsenal.
It will be a case of waiting and seeing what May brings…
