Arsenal boosted by Bukayo Saka-Martin Odegaard combination to boost top four hopes with win at Watford
WATFORD, UK – It’s perhaps no surprise that the man nicknamed “Little Chilli” is doing the heat treatment. Bukayo Saka score a goal and make another point is Arsenal declare a Win 3-2 in Watford on Sunday to take another important step in the pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The Premier LeagueThe race for the top four is intensifying with each passing week, but Saka and Martin Odegaard display their freedom of speech denying the idea that the Gunners are under pressure to deliver at the end of the season.
Sources have revealed to ESPN that senior Arsenal figures believe the club are ahead of schedule under Mikel Arteta and do not expect a serious push for Champions League football until next year.
And while it should be remembered that Watford are struggling at the bottom of the table and this is their eighth consecutive home defeat, Arsenal have shown a desire to seize this unexpected opportunity, revealing the possibility of a return to the league. leading in Europe for the first time in five years.
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They had fun in the game from the start and a superb opening goal came in the fifth minute. Odegaard aggressively went to find Saka on the right first England The international was in mind to cut the ball for a pass back inside the box, allowing Odegaard to hit a low shot past the helpless Watford keeper. Ben Foster.
Cucho Hernandez’s 11th-minute reverse bike kick drew the home side and quickly threatened a nasty game, only for Saka to insist that his conspicuous talent was enhanced by a directing. good work ethic. When the Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley While holding the ball, Saka wins the ball, then exchanges passes with Alexandre Lacazette before finishing high in a flash.
The aforementioned Little Chilli nickname was given to him by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangwho was impressed by Saka’s effectiveness in a shooting practice, and this clinical finish shows why he is such a solid part of Arsenal’s present and future, especially with previous goal source, Aubameyang, has left Barcelona.
Saka also played a key role in Arsenal’s third-place finish, although Arteta could also ask for some assistance as he immediately sent the ball wide for Saka for a quick throw-in, seven minutes into the first half. finish. Cedric Soares dropped to the right and his cross was helped through another lavish touch from Odegaard before Lacazette had the shot on target. Gabriel Martinelli.
Moussa Sissoko scored for Watford three minutes from the full game to create a big finish but Arsenal held their ground and, in fact, a draw would be something of a bad thing given the football played by the away team.
There was a time when Emile Smith Rowe’s absence – explained here as a result of a positive COVID-19 test – made Saka look a bit isolated when it came to his understanding of the two Hale End academy graduates, but there were signs that he is starting to show that. affiliated with Odegaard.
Between them, the pair have combined to create the most frequent combination of passes completed in the last third of Arsenal players in league games this season: Saka found Odegaard in 78 times; The next best combination is Odegaard with Saka with 68.
The time Arsenal have had to work without European football – and during the mid-season break to Dubai – is paying off. After their fourth straight win at the tournament, their manager cited the development of the players that have inspired them.
“[Saka and Odegaard] “Arteta said” they trust each other more. They understand when to do what relative to what the other person is doing, so this is fine. The more they play together, the more they will understand, simple as that.”
Saka and Odegaard’s game influence is crucial for a team that still lacks a potential No 9; Lacazette ended this match with two more assists, but lacked conviction in the range of goal he had. However, it wouldn’t matter too much if the dynamic attacks continued and the people around him continued to step up.
Saka has contributed 13 league goals this season, the most of any player under the age of 21 in Bayer Leverkusen’s top five European leagues. Florian Wirtz.
Those numbers are all the more remarkable, with difficulties already overshadowing his start to the campaign, as the 20-year-old faces the consequences of racist abuse online as a one of three black players to miss a penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final penalty shootout. defeat Italy.
Saka was subsequently acclaimed upon his return to domestic football, and Arteta has watched him grow from all he endured to become an even better player who could continue Continue to achieve great things.
“Bukayo has had an experience over the summer that not many players have and I think it’s great for his career because the football world has shown how much they like him and respect him. come on,” said Arteta.
“I don’t think you get more than that in football other than winning trophies. I think it was a big motivation for him to realize in difficult times these people are really going to support him. He and the club did the same as his teammates.
“Then it’s about leaving him that space. At his age, what he’s doing is phenomenal and he needs that space. Don’t read too much; do what you want. Football is his priority in life and you can see that every day in training. He needs to continue behaving and living the way he is, nothing else. “
