Ex-Arsenal Winger Picks Saka Over Brazilian Defender As Main Man In Loss To Man City

Former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke has explained why he feels teenage wing-back Bukayo Saka was the Gunners' most influential player during their 1-0 loss to Manchester City in their latest Premier League game.

Pep Guardiola's Man City secured all three points thanks to Raheem Sterling's goal midway through the first half.

Saka nearly got the Gunners on level terms when he got past Joao Cancelo and stung the palms of Ederson with a high shot from a tight angle.

The Anglo-Nigerian missed yet another glorious chance when he got in behind the City defence after a one-two with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang four minutes to half-time but saw his effort come off the shoulder of the opposing goalkeeper and narrowly over the bar.

Clarke, who made nine appearances for Arsenal's first team, heaped praise on Saka for his mature and classy display.

Running his analysis in the latest episode of 'The Breakdown', the footballer turned pundit said : "I thought Gabriel was terrific but just shading him for Main Man status this week is Bukayo Saka.

"The teenager consistently delivered classy contributions. Saka's eye for space is so intuitive. As play builds up he knows the right times to dart in behind defenders and inside the final third he rarely makes a bad decision.

"He works this shot on to his left foot very well indeed, and on another day he'd have found the back of the net with this great opportunity that he fashioned himself.

"He visualizes the 1-2 before it's even happened and is denied by a great save."

He added : "Saka is accomplished for somebody so young and I do like the look of him alongside Tierney down the Gunners left.

"They balance one another out very nicely. It feels like Saka has earned the full trust of his manager now.

"He's a player that's set to play a big part for the team this season".

London-born Saka remains eligible to wear the Super Eagles jersey despite making his full debut for the Three Lions in a friendly against Wales this month.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com