Bukayo Saka is the new leading assist maker in Europe’s top five leagues after running Southampton ragged at the Emirates.
The Arsenal winger was involved in all three of the club’s goals in their 3-1 comeback win on Saturday afternoon.
GettySaka was Arsenal’s main in their defeat against Southampton at the Emirates[/caption]
A shock defeat looked to be on the cards in north London when Cameron Archer broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
But just moments later, the Gunners were back on level terms, with Saka finding Kai Havertz, who rifled in a shot off the post.
In doing so, the versatile Germany international equalled Robin van Persie‘s Arsenal record by scoring in seven successive Emirates matches.
Arsenal began to throw more bodies forward following their equaliser, and their mounting pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute.
And it was Saka who again provided the assist with what is becoming a trademark cross – an in-swinging left-footed delivery to the back post – which found Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian forward made no mistake from a few yards out as he volleyed first-time into ex-Gunner Aaron Ramsdale‘s near post.
Saka’s assist was his seventh in the Premier League from as many outings – the most in Europe’s top five leagues this term.
Going into the fixture against the Saints, he was level with Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves and Villarreral winger Alex Baena on five.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane both have four.
In another brilliant stat, Saka now boasts more Premier League assists [42] than Arsenal Invincible Robert Pires [41] – one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Saka has chipped in with three goals and seven assists in all competitions this seasonGetty
Saka has enjoyed a stunning start to the new Premier League campaign
But Saka wasn’t done after his two assists, as he wrapped up the win in the 88th minute with a low right-footed strike into the bottom left corner.
Having put in a masterclass against Southampton, Saka has become the fifth player in Premier League history to reach 90 goals/assists aged 23 or under.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way in first place with 118 goal contributions, followed by his Gunners teammate Raheem Sterling [110].
Ryan Giggs is in third place – one ahead of Saka’s 91 – with Marcus Rashford on the same tally.
Saka’s dazzling display comes just days after he enjoyed a playful spar with UFC king Conor McGregor.
The Irishman bizarrely looked to show off his MMA moves on the 23-year-old, with the Hale Ender telling him to be ‘be careful’.
Attention for Saka will now turn towards England having been included in Lee Carsley‘s Nations League squad for the clashed with Greece and Finland.
