Saka Achieves Historic Milestone with Arsenal and Receives Message from Henry

Saka Reaches Milestone with Arsenal and Receives Message from Thierry Henry

Bukayo Saka shone in his 200th match with Arsenal, scoring a goal and emulating a record set by club legend Thierry Henry. The young footballer, who wore the captain’s armband after Martin Ødegaard’s injury, had an outstanding performance in the 2-0 victory over West Ham United. Saka, from the penalty spot, became the second Arsenal player, after Henry, to score in his 200th match. The victory propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, surpassing Liverpool.

“Thierry sent me a message this morning to remind me that we lost the last two games against West Ham at home,” Saka told Sky Sports after the match. “He’s always pushing me. I’m very happy that my name is alongside his records.”

Bukayo Saka

In addition to his goal, Saka also reached 100 goal involvements in the Premier League, becoming the seventh youngest player to achieve it in the top tier of English football.

“It’s exceptional what he’s doing at his age,” commented Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “The impact he has in those matches is very difficult to achieve. I am very happy for him. He is super consistent and willing to learn constantly. He finds ways to score goals. He will grow and mature. I hope he continues to impact the team.”

Mikel Arteta

Despite the joy of Saka’s achievement, the match was not without concerns. Captain Martin Ødegaard was forced to leave the field due to a left knee injury. Arteta indicated that Ødegaard’s situation does not seem favorable.

“With Martin [Ødegaard] it was a knee-to-knee collision,” Arteta explained after the match. “It doesn’t look very good at the moment.”

Mikel Arteta