Arsenal Vs Brighton: 3 positives from disastrous defeat

1. Bukayo Saka is sensational

Not many individual players played close to their highest level. There weren’t many horrible performances, but few reached what they are capable of. In fact, in the first half especially, there was one player who stood head and shoulders above everyone else: 18-year-old Bukayo Saka.

Playing an a wide-left central-midfield role, Saka was brilliant. He carried the ball, created chances, cracked the crossbar with a curling right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area, helped recycle possession throughout, and was calm and composed on the ball. He played like a veteran central midfielder, yet was playing in a position that is almost entirely unfamiliar to him.

Arsenal do have to sort out his contract, and given the current trajectory of the club, you would not blame him if he wanted to see who else is interested in him. Reports of Liverpool being a potential landing spot would surely see Saka strongly consider his other options.

Nevertheless, he is a special talent and Arteta seems keen to build the team around him. If nothing else, that is exciting for the future.