Bukayo Saka helped himself to two assists, won a penalty and scored a spot-kick of his own as Arsenal climbed to second place in the Premier League thanks to a 5-2 win over West Ham that saw all the goals scored in the first half.
After the game, the England international, who was voted man of the match, faced questions from Sky Sports. Here’s what he had to say…
On the importance of the first 35 minutes…
Yeah, it was a very, very strong start. We remember we played similar like this last year so we knew we wanted to start strong and we definitely did that.
On reaching 10 Premier League assists for the season already…
I’m just constantly looking to improve, to create and score goals for this team and I’m doing that right now. I’m enjoying my football and playing with confidence, I want to continue like this.
On how much pleasure he takes from his assists…
I’m taking a lot of pleasure, I like to score and create, but the biggest pleasure is winning and getting three points on the board. I’m really happy today.
On taking turns with Martin Odegaard from the penalty spot…
It was nice. Martin is a top player, he’s been playing so good since he’s come back and he wanted to take the penalty, to score today. I’m more than happy to give him the ball because he always gives me the ball. We have a good connection and like I said, let’s keep this form going.
On Arsenal’s attacking play with Odegaard in the team…
I think definitely, the last three games, we’ve been back, back to our best, back to our best way of playing, we’re fluid, we’re dynamic and you can see the movements, the rotations, everything looks good. We need to continue like this, we played three good games but we know in this league it’s not enough. We have a big game on Wednesday against Manchester United so we’re going be ready for that and look to do the same thing.
Love him, what a player and personality!
Great win minus the lapses of concentration. Freekick was never a foul.
Really just the one lapse for the first goal. And it was a good through ball/finish from WB. Trossard didn’t track him but I’ll forgive him since he had just provided a delicious assist for Havertz.
Non negotiable. Martinelli gets the next start.
One of the weirdest decisions of the match. I thought maybe that the ref was being tough on sliding challenges.
And then Wan Bissaka….
Happened a few times against spurs as well, Bissuoma kept diving and getting free kicks in dangerous positions.
I though Jesus (and Sterling) where very positive when they came on. I really feel for Jesus though. There was a moment where he burst forward, skinned 3 WH players, cut inside and was just about to pull the trigger when the ball takes the faintest nick of a defenders heel and diverts away. His luck is so bad atm.
100%
Saka would be on 11 Assists and equal top for goal involvements if the assist was not taken away from him against Leicester when our goal was changed to an own goal.
I just love this team !! The players the staff. A trophy or two (or three) would be a fitting reward for this amazing group. COYG
New assist record incoming!
100%