LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks dejected during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
3 standout players from disappointing draw against Southampton
2. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka put the team on his back. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The form of Arsenal’s right winger has dipped in recent games. Fairly quiet showings arrived against Liverpool and West Ham. This drop-off is understandable. The still-young Saka has started nearly every game this season and at this late stage, fatigue can start to set in. Add to that the physical beating he takes every game and you have a number of reasons to explain his form.
Against Southampton, however, Saka looked anything but tired.
He was constantly dangerous, picking the ball up on the right and cutting inside or moving outside with equal ease. His assist came from shifting the ball onto his weaker foot and crossing in. On full display was his ability to use his technique to turn and his strength to hold off his defender.
The provider turned scorer late in the game. Saka found himself unmarked in the box. The ball bounced to him fortuitously before he slotted home calmly. This goal was the one that allowed Arsenal to walk away with the point. Starboy.
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