Bukayo Saka breaks record at the perfect time for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta delights in stunner

Bukayo Saka’s brilliant goal for England comes at the perfect time for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Not just the fact that the 24-year-old scored, but also how the ball hit the back of the net.

So far, Saka has managed to score twice since his return from injury. His first came at the end of the clash with Olympiacos, securing the three points, slamming a shot from the left between the keeper’s legs.

His second from the penalty spot at the end of the match with West Ham also secured the points and confirmed the Gunners would go top of the table. Both, however, were not the characteristic goals Arsenal fans have come to expect from Saka.

The dart inside from the right, before whipping a left-footed shot into the side netting of the far side. That, however, was exactly what was on offer as the Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 at Wembley.

Receiving the ball from Ezri Konsa, Saka took the ball away from David Brooks before firing a perfect effort beyond Karl Darlow, who was left helpless by the strike.

“We’ve seen him doing this many times,” Roy Keane said, describing Saka’s goal to ITV. “Fantastic. Poor from Wales, giving Saka time like this.

“The quality gets his foot wrong with the pace. As soon as he left his foot, you know, he’s going to the back of the net.”

It did indeed hark back to come of Saka’s best and was his 13 ^th for his country. This makes him the all-time highest Arsenal goal scorer for England. He overtakes Cliff Bastin, whose record had stood from the 1930s.

Saka had already eclipsed the likes of Theo Walcott (8), Ian Wright (9), and Tony Woodcock (9) on his way to going level with Bastin. Saka could now feature again for Thomas Tuchel’s side against Latvia unless the German wishes to switch up his team again.

But he will return to Arsenal in strong form and will have delighted Mikel Arteta with his goal. The Spaniard has spoken of the importance of his players doing well with their respective nations, as long as they avoid injury of course.

Arsenal travel to Fulham on Saturday, 18 October, looking to maintain their place at the top of the table. Saka saw a late winner ruled out for offside in the same fixture last season; he will hope to put that right when he returns to domestic action.

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