Arsenal won the bragging rights of north London after their win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Given that Mikel Arteta’s side are pushing for the Premier League title, the pressure that comes with that, added with this fixture, then many expected this game to be a lot closer than it was.
By the half-time break, Arsenal were 3-0 up, with the away side exploiting Tottenham’s issues from corners, as well as a brilliant goal from Bukayo Saka on the counter-attack.
Yes, Spurs pulled two goals back, but only after an error from David Raya and then Declan Rice giving away an out-of-character penalty.
All in all, it was a very good and deserved victory for Arsenal and it boosted their Premier League title chances, despite Manchester City beating Nottingham Forest to keep it in their hands.
In these moments, you need to showcase character, be ruthless, stick your chest out and prove that you are a big-game player.
Tim Sherwood thinks Saka did just that and it is becoming the norm for him, as he told Premier League Productions (28/04/24 at 4:10 pm).
Saka has scored in both north London derby fixtures this season and he became the first Englishman, since Ian Wright, to achieve that for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka against Tottenham
“Bukayo, his run there, he is going to run offside if he runs in a straight line, but what he does is he pulls himself to the right-hand side, so he still has the momentum going forward,” said Sherwood.
“I just loved the movement of Bukayo Saka. When he runs forward, he stops and starts again – he knows exactly what he wants to do and so does Ben Davies. But it’s easier said than done – once he hits it, it’s a great finish.
“He turns up against Tottenham. This was a big game and Tottenham wanted to spoil Arsenal’s party. It didn’t happen because big players turn up on big occasions and Saka is one of them.”
Is Bukayo Saka world-class?
That has been a question many have asked, even Arsene Wenger has expressed his thoughts on it.
You feel many will still think Saka isn’t world-class. That’s fine. But you know if he carries on the way he is, then it’s only a matter of time before he shuts people up.
One way to absolutely make sure that he is of that level is to win the Premier League title this season.
Yes, it’s still in Manchester City’s hands, but they have some tough games coming up, including a trip to Fulham and Tottenham.
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