Bukayo Saka's Versatility Impresses 1994 Africa Cup Of Nations-Winning Striker

Published: June 20, 2020

Brighton & Hove claimed a massive victory on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the American Express Community Stadium, their first win this decade.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta named Bukayo Saka in his starting lineup, with the Hale End Academy product playing as a left midfielder while Sead Kolašinac slotted in at left-back.

The Anglo-Nigerian teenager looked lively in the first half and came close to breaking the deadlock when he rattled the woodwork with a shot from the edge of the area with his weaker right foot.

At minute 32, Alexandre Lacazette's diving header was saved by Brighton goalkeeper Matthew Ryan after a delightful ball from Saka.

Nicolas Pepe, assisted by Saka, opened the scoring midway through the second half, Lewis Dunk scrambled over the line to make it 1-1 with fifteen minutes left, before Neal Maupay's injury time winner secured an unlikely win for the Seagulls.

Speaking during commentary on the Premier League world feed, 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning striker Efan Ekoku admitted to being impressed with the versatility of the Gunners number 77.

"Certainly a versatile young player, great to see that young kids are given their chance, opportunity to play and to develop as well," Ekoku said on Saka.

"For a big club like Arsenal to have too many of them in the team at the same time when results are not great, the feeling is not so good. It is difficult for them to take the chance."

Ninth on the table with 40 points from 30 matches, Arsenal are guests to Southampton in their next fixture on Thursday, June 25.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : brightonandhovealbion.com

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