UEFA Europa League 2018-19, Arsenal 1-0 Qarabag: 5 Talking Points

2. Bukayo Saka sizzles on his first start for Arsenal

Saka sizzled on his first start for Arsenal

Despite having already talked about the Gunners’ fringe players expressing themselves on the pitch well, Saka’s performance warrants a closer look.

The teenager was thrust into the deep end and after a nervy start, showed the confidence and directness that he’s shown in reserve games.

On the left flank, Saka troubled the Qarabag defence continuously. Not afraid to take a defender on, the Englishman portrayed immense belief to demand the ball and make good use of it.

Saka’s biggest assets are his dribbling and burst of acceleration and both came to the fore in a scintillating display.

Though the Englishman looked a little raw on occasions, he could be pardoned due to his inexperience. Saka seems to possess all the attributes needed to be a success at the Emirates and he now has to start delivering such displays on a frequent basis.

While it may still be a little too premature to get excited about him breaking into the first-team, the ingredients for a successful recipe definitely seem to be present.