Arsenal star Bukayo Saka overtakes Man Utd and Liverpool legends in two stunning Premier League feats

Bukayo Saka was once again able to make a vital contribution for Arsenal against Manchester City on Sunday. 

Arsenal suffered late heartbreak at the Etihad Stadium, as John Stones’ last gasp equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Manchester City.

The Gunners’ led for the majority of the match. After Riccardo Calafiori’s spectacular strike cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener, Mikel Arteta’s side got their noses in front before the break as Gabriel Magalhaes met Bukayo Saka’s corner at the back post and crashed a header home.

Saka matched a Thierry Henry record with this cross, as he became only the second Arsenal player, after the Frenchman, to register an assist in each of the first five games of a new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old winger is a talismanic figure for the Gunners and the most productive attacker in Arteta’s squad.

Bukayo Saka overtakes Luis Suarez and Ruud van Nistelrooy

Saka already boasts a remarkable record of end product, given his age, and has proven on multiple occasions that he can be relied upon to deliver in the biggest matches.

Along with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal form part of English football’s ‘Big Six.’

Against these top sides, Saka has routinely been able to inflict damage on behalf of Arsenal. With his assist against the Cityzens, he added to his tally of goal contributions against Big Six sides.

As reported by StatMuse FC, when it comes to Premier League goals and assists combined against Big Six sides, Saka now has 22 to his name, taking him beyond the 21 racked up by iconic former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

9 of Saka’s contributions against these teams came away from home. Meanwhile, Liverpool icon Luis Suarez only ever managed 8 goals or assists against Big Six clubs on the road.

Saka growing in stature at Arsenal

At 23-years-old, the Hale End academy graduate already has 42 England caps under his belt, as well as more than 200 appearances for the Gunners, across all competitions.

What’s more, in the absence of Martin Odegaard against Manchester City, the forward was handed the captain’s armband.

His importance to Arteta can scarcely be overstated, and if Arsenal are to achieve their objectives for this season then it is vital that Saka can remain fit and firing on all cylinders.