Bukayo Saka has been lauded as a “leader” by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the teenage winger shone again in the 3-1 win at Southampton.
The 19-year-old scored one and assisted Alexandre Lacazette to clinch all three points to lift the Gunners up to eighth in the Premier League table.
“He’s really humble, respectful and at the same time has that character to demand the ball, to make decisions that are not very usual for his age,” Arteta said after the win at St Mary’s.
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“We need that leadership and he’s gaining that with his attitude.
“He’s all the time asking to train more to improve in areas that he can do better. That was certainly one, producing the final bit in the box to score or assist.
“If he’s able to do that with the intelligence that he has, with the work rate that he shows on the pitch and with the capacity that he has to understand the game in different positions, then he becomes a really different player.”
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Arteta also revealed that Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey will need to be assessed before Saturday’s home game against Manchester United after feeling some “discomfort” on Tuesday night.
With Arsenal on 30 points, five behind West Ham United in fourth place and the final automatic Champions League spot for next season.
