Bukayo Saka breaks nine-year Premier League record as Arsenal beat Leicester, he did three remarkable things
Arsenal endured a frustrating game at times as they beat Leicester 4-2, with their dominance only converted into goals in injury time.
Mikel Arteta’s side were dangerously close to dropping points from a 2-0 lead as a brace from James Justin meant Leicester levelled the score, but Leandro Trossard forced an own goal from Wilfried Ndidi, and Kai Havertz tapped in to make it 4-2 in a chaotic game.
Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was outstanding as he kept Arsenal at bay, with the home side recording an astonishing 36 shots, and Arsenal registered a higher xG total than any other team in any Premier League match this season.
Bukayo Saka was excellent on the right wing despite not scoring or assisting, but his underlying stats are remarkably good, and his overall performance reached a level no one else has for nine years.
Bukayo Saka breaks records in Arsenal win vs Leicester
Saka was instrumental going forward, and this was reflected in his performance stats as he shone in multiple aspects of his play.
“Bukayo Saka is the first player in the last nine seasons at least to complete 8+ take-ons, create 8+ chances and have 8+ touches in the opp. box in a Premier League game,” statisticians Squakwa posted on X.
Bukayo Saka’s stats vs Leicester
Although Saka did not score or provide an assist, the 23-year-old was hugely influential in the victory over Leicester.
Saka registered seven shots, which is more than the entire Leicester team managed. He also outdid the entire opposition team when it came to take-ons, touches in box and chances created.
Remarkably, despite creating eight chances, Saka only misplaced four of his 53 attempted passes whilst remaining a constant goal threat.
In the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, Saka has stepped up as the main creator in the team, and the victory against Leicester may not have happened without him.
He is now operating at a world-class level, and there are few other wingers Europe, who would be an upgrade on a side-step.
