Manchester United legend Gary Neville has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka following Arsenal’s 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners registered a convincing victory over the Cottagers at home. Viktor Gyokeres was the man of the match with two goals and an assist in the opening half.
However, Saka was equally good in his first start since late March. The Englishman provided a fabulous assist for Gyokeres’ opener before scoring the Gunners’ second goal.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Neville said that the Gunners looked something back to their best with Saka’s return and described the 24-year-old as a ‘top-class’ player.
He said: “They looked like they had a little bit of something back with Saka on that right-hand side. Madueke’s a very good player, but Saka’s top-class. It was a very day for Arsenal. They have got to wait and watch Manchester City.”
Arsenal had a nervous performance against Newcastle United last month. They raced into an early 1-0 lead and were hanging on for a victory towards the end.
The Magpies were poor in front of goal, or they could have picked up at least a point. The scenario was much different against the Cottagers at the Emirates on Saturday.
The north London giants played much better last weekend. They pressed higher up the pitch with intent and could have easily scored more than three goals in the first half.
The club are now six points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, but Pep Guardiola’s side have a couple of matches in hand, including one at Everton tonight.
The onus is on the Cityzens to respond. They face Everton and Brentford before the Gunners take on West Ham United in another derby at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal’s immediate focus will turn to the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The tie is well balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg on the road.
The Gunners beat Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates in the league phase of the competition, and should be optimistic of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
