Saka responds to Arteta's challenge with 'huge impact'
Bukayo Saka responds to the challenge set by Mikel Arteta as he comes off the bench to change the game against Lille in the Champions League.
Key points
- Bukayo Saka came off the bench to help Arsenal beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League.
- Saka assisted Eberechi Eze's goal and scored Arsenal's third despite illness.
- Saka has four goals in nine games this season and is responding to Mikel Arteta's challenge.
Bukayo Saka came off the bench to make a decisive contribution as Arsenal beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League. The England forward, who had been ill, set up Eberechi Eze's goal for 2-0 and then scored Arsenal's third.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had challenged Saka to aim for "two or three" goals per game. Saka did not reach that tally against the French side but still proved a game-changer.
Arteta's praise for Saka
Arteta said Saka had been getting into great positions and producing one-touch finishes. He added that Saka could have had another four or five goals by now this season.
The Arsenal boss revealed he spoke to Saka after telling the media about his desire for a greater impact. Arteta said Saka was laughing and knows the club wants him to be the best version of himself.
He wasn't ready to start but he was really wanting to contribute to the team if it was needed and he came on and made a huge impact and delivered with real quality.
— Mikel Arteta
Saka's growing record
Saka has now scored four goals in nine games this season. He has also been in good form for England, scoring five goals in his latest four matches, including a double in the 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia.
In major European competitions for Arsenal, Saka has 19 goals, behind only Thierry Henry's 42. He also has nine Champions League assists, trailing Henry (16) and Cesc Fabregas (14).
