Bukayo Saka responded to the challenge set by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he proved a game-changer in the 3-0 Champions League win over Lille. The England forward has been told he should aim to score "two or three" goals per game, such was his quality and the expectation from his boss.
Saka did not achieve that tally against the French visitors, but shook off illness to come off the bench and assist Eberechi Eze's strike that made it 2-0, before rolling in his side's third goal. The 25-year-old has now scored four goals in nine games this season and looks to be taking the next step in his evolution as Arsenal's key man.
With the majority of his side's attacking play involving him, Saka has always been influential. But with opposition defenders doubling up on him and injury issues over the last two seasons, there were doubts over whether he could still do what was asked of him in attack. Arteta has tweaked Saka's positioning this season to get him closer to goal. "That is where we need to get him," said the Gunners boss. "And if he misses the chance, so be it."
Saka has scored 20 goals in a season just once, in 2023-24, and has been in strong form for England, with five goals in his last four matches. He is now on 19 goals in major European competitions for Arsenal, behind only Thierry Henry (42). Arteta said he was "very happy" with Saka's response, adding that the winger came on and "made a huge impact and delivered with real quality."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing