The England international has been Arsenal’s main man for many years now, and he has almost always come up with the goods for the Gunners.
Saka started against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night and was even given the captain’s armband. He led by example and produced a very professional display.
While doing that, Saka did something for Arsenal in the Champions League that was last done over two decades ago.
What Bukayo Saka did for Arsenal for the first time in nearly 22 years
It was a very comfortable first half for Arsenal against PSG at the Emirates.
Luis Enrique’s sides are never easy to face, but Mikel Arteta’s game plan was absolutely perfect, especially in the first half. The visitors didn’t even come close to scoring.
Kai Havertz found the net for Arsenal in the 20th minute to put them 1-0 up, and Saka scored 10 minutes before the break to double that lead.
Saka’s goal was an interesting one.
The Arsenal number seven won a free-kick near the right touchline, and everyone was expecting a cross towards Gabriel Magalhaes at the back post.
However, Saka went with a low delivery towards the near post, and the ball missed everybody and ended up in the back of the net.
The goal has gone down as a direct free-kick, and that is the first Arsenal have scored since Martin Odegaard’s stunner against Burnley at Turf Moor in 2021.
To add to that, Saka’s goal is the first free-kick Arsenal have scored in the Champions League in nearly 22 years – the last player to do it was Thierry Henry against AS Roma in November 2002.
The Gunners are the best team in the world in corners and free-kicks, so much so that fans of rival clubs are scared every time a set-piece is awarded to the North Londoners.
Saka’s free-kick against PSG was from a very weird angle, but Jover had a plan prepared for that too. The Arsenal man executed it perfectly and was rewarded with a goal.
When Jamie Carragher asked if he mishit the ball for his goal, Saka replied on CBS Sports: “No, no, no, definitely was deliberate.
“It was a delivery to the near post, hoping for someone to get a flick on. Also, with these balls, it’s nice to hit them and if no one touches them, they go in.
“That was really the strategy and that happened.”