Bukayo Saka achieves two personal feats in Arsenal's win over West Ham

Bukayo Saka reached two personal milestones as he helped Arsenal to a 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Named in the starting XI, the winger made his 200th appearance in the Premier League before marking the occasion with a goal from the penalty spot in the second half, his 100th goal involvement in the English top flight.

It was an incredible achievement for the Hale End graduate that demonstrated both his incredible ability and how crucial he has been for the Gunners since first breaking into the first team.

Bukayo Saka achieves two personal feats against West Ham

After being named in the lineup for the second consecutive league game, it was confirmed that Saka would be playing his 200th game in the Premier League.

The England international did so almost seven years after making his top debut when he came on as a late substitute in a 4-1 win over Fulham in January 2019.

He managed to break into the first team the following season and established himself as a crucial player as he operated at left back in the early days under Mikel Arteta.

After winning the FA Cup in the 2019/20 campaign, Saka made his 100th appearance in the league in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the beginning of the 2022/23 season and subsequently went onto help his side challenge Manchester City for the title.

It was a very fitting moment to see him take the captain's armband as he managed this landmark achievement, but did so in unfortunate circumstances after skipper Martin Ødegaard was forced off with injury.

Leading his side, he then converted a penalty to secure the win and notch his 100th goal involvement in the Premier League. It was his 55th goal in the top flight having provided 45 assists since making his first appearance. It also saw him become just the eighth Arsenal player to manage the feat in the top flight.

He hit both these milestones after fighting persistent injuries over the past year. Saka missed a huge chunk of action during the middle of last season and has also been absent for parts of this campaign. However, his achievements are a testament to his character and brilliance.

Speaking after the game, he said: "I'm very proud, I don't take these moments for granted, especially the last few months when I've had to miss games and watch from the stands as I've been injured.

"I'm going to enjoy it tonight and come back after the break ready to go again. I just want to give my best, give my best for my teammates and try and push this club to win."

Arsenal fans will be hoping these won't be the final milestones Saka reaches as a Gunner as he looks to help his boyhood club to a first Premier League title in over 20 years this season.