The unseen way that Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal beat Fulham
Bukayo Saka is known for his superb attacking talent and goalscoring ability but he helped Arsenal in a different way against Fulham.
The Gunners are currently three points clear at the top of the Premier League, and have only conceded three goals so far this season.
On Saturday (18 October), Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage, with Leandro Trossard’s second half strik securing all three points.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last five games in a row across all competitions, and are looking unbeatable at this moment in time.
Bukayo Saka shows his defensive abilities
Saka missed a number of games for Arsenal earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury he picked up against Leeds United.
However, since his return to the starting lineup, the England international has been as good as ever, helping the Gunners to the top of the Premier League.
Against Fulham, Saka didn’t contribute with a goal or assist, but a different aspect of his game caught the eye.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, former Tottenham and England striker Gary Lineker highlighted how Saka’s defensive work had helped Arsenal against Fulham.
He said: “I think Saka kind of epitomises the way they (Arsenal) play, he’s very creative at times, but also defensively he works so hard going up and down.”
Arsenal on record-breaking pace
It’s not just Saka who has shown defensive acumen this season, with Arsenal’s impenetrable backline receiving significant praise.
The North London side have only been breached Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United, and are conceding just 0.375 goals per game.
It means that Arsenal are on track to break Chelsea’s long-standing goals conceded record.
Jose Mourinho’s 2004-05 side let in just 15 across the whole campaign, and if the Gunners continue at the same pace, they will stay below that total.
However, Arteta’s side would have to be near perfect from this point onwards to stand any chance of breaking the record, and as a result, it is extremely unlikely.