Keown lavishes praise on ‘top drawer’ Arsenal star who is ‘just different class at the moment’
Club legend Martin Keown has lavished praise on one Arsenal player after Mikel Arteta’s side beat Bodo/Glimt 1-0 on Thursday evening.
To save you from scrolling, the Gunners star in question is Bukayo Saka.
The England international added to his goal tally for the season on Thursday as he scored the winning goal in Arsenal’s victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League group stages.
The Norwegian side have a great home record and they were a sterner test for Arsenal on their turf than they were a week ago at the Emirates.
The Gunners won 3-0 the first time around but they were made to settle for a victory by a single goal.
Saka’s winner came in an unconventional fashion. His initial shot was blocked but the ball bounced into the net off the 21-year-old on the rebound.
He has now grabbed four goals and four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Saka was the difference-maker against Liverpool last weekend as Arsenal made a statement with their 3-2 win.
Arsenal travel to face Leeds United this weekend and Keown stated at half-time that Saka had Bomo/Glimt full-back Brice Wembangomo “on toast”.
“It hasn’t been thrilling but it shows the reputation Arsenal are building,” Keown told BT Sport.
“Sometimes you need to grind out wins and stand up to the opposition and play when you can play.
“When you get the ball to players like Bukayo Saka… he’s just different class at the moment this fella. He’s got the full-back on toast tonight.
“It was a great run for the goal, obviously he gets lucky but it’s brilliant how he gets into that area. He’s gone to another level.”
Keown later praised Saka at full-time as the forward “was the difference” for Arsenal.
“Saka’s top drawer. Tonight his class was the difference. He’s going through the gears in an Arsenal shirt now.
“All in all I think Mikel Arteta will be happy with tonight. They managed to grind out the result and they did just enough to get the win.”
Chelsea legend Joe Cole also took time to laud Saka as he is a “gem” for Arsenal.
“He’s got that wonderful combination of speed and control,” Cole said. “He’s a wonderful player and every time I watch him he’s improving.
“You need to remember how young he is. Arsenal have got a gem here. He’s already one of the leaders on the pitch. He’s a fantastic footballer and one Arsenal need to tie down and build a team around.”
Cole added: “I’m a believer now. I talked about them earlier in the week and we’ve seen them trip up so often over the last 10 to 15 years.
“You almost want to have another look. But the process Mikel Arteta has been talking about has started to bear fruition.
“It looks like a well-oiled machine and it’s good times for Arsenal fans.”
READ MORE: Saka is turning ricochets into impudent finishes – maybe this really is Arsenal’s year