Bukayo Saka’s influence was impossible to ignore against Everton

Even though Arsenal were not really at their best against Everton on Saturday night, there were a lot of stories that stood out from their win.

For some, it was the gritty nature of their performance, and how Arsenal really got down to business in order to secure a really important win in the context of the Premier League title race.

For others, it was slightly worrying that Arsenal's sluggish form continued, but appreciated how their team won despite the bad performance.

And, for the rest, there were some performances that truly stuck out, and one of those performers was Bukayo Saka.

Bukayo Saka’s influence was impossible to ignore against Everton

Saka did not get on the scoresheet this time, or have an assist, but he did everything else. By everything, I mean everything.

Saka was awarded the player of the match award, and not many people wondered why.

Throughout the game, Saka was an absolute menace to the Everton backline, constantly going up and trying to create chances for his teammates. He also worked ridiculously hard defensively, and led the team in over five different statistics.

To put his performance into perspectivethe the , Saka had the most touches inside Everton's penalty area for any Arsenal player in the game (11). He also had the most take-ons completed for any Arsenal player with four, most duels won for any Gunner with eight, most shots for any Gunner with four, and most tackles with three.

That, right there, is a superstar performance in the most obvious way. Arsenal needed inspiration, and Saka was the source of that in almost every single sequence.

He did not score a goal, but he did not have to. Instead, he saw Viktor Gyokeres take the penalty and put his team in front.

Arsenal need this sort of talismanic performance at certain points. It is one point to lead by example in the attack. But for the same attacker to also win the most duels and tackles is truly how you set yourself apart.

Saka led by example against Everton in a way that most superstars in the game fail to do. He worked hard on and off the ball, and it was clear to see the intensity and grittiness of his performance, even though he did not score or assist.

These are the sorts of wins that get you close to the Premier League title, and Saka was truly an important figure in making sure the Gunners marched forward yet again.