"Very good in this game" - Gary Neville blown away by performance from Arsenal star during win over Aston Villa
Pundit Gary Neville has heaped praise on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after he played a crucial role in his team's comeback 4-2 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday (February 18).
Saka scored a thumping goal in the 16th minute to level the scores after Ollie Watkins had handed Villa an early advantage. Following the youngster's contributions, former Manchester United defender Neville tweeted about Saka:
"Saka been very good in this game."
🏻Saka been very good in this game 👍🏻
Mikel Arteta's side showed great composure and spirit, as they rallied from 2-1 down at half-time to complete a stunning comeback win.
Saka played a part in the Gunners' second goal as well, taking a short corner, which allowed Martin Odegaard to set up Oleksandr Zinchenko for his first Premier League goal.
The 21-year-old was hassled and harried by Villa's physically dominant defenders but held his own for the most part. He was fouled by Philippe Coutinho and retaliated with a shove, which led to Saka being booked.
As per Sofascore, Saka completed 26 passes with 67% accuracy, including one cross and one long ball. He also won ten ground duels and completed three dribbles. The youngster himself posted a jubilant tweet following a gutsy performance by Arsenal, tweeting:
"That one felt good."
That one felt good 🤩 https://t.co/izjkXuD9fV
The nature of the second half also drew in reactions from other personalities in football, including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Aston Villa-Arsenal explains why the Premier League is the best league in the world by far. What-a-game. 😮💨
Arsenal back to winning ways after Manchester City loss
Following the Aston Villa win, Neville singled out Saka and praised him for his performance and spirit. However, Arsenal had it all to do after some disappointing results.
Having lost 3-1 to City at the Emirates on Thursday, the Gunners fell to second place in the standings for the first time since November, albeit on goal difference. Arteta and his men knew that a win at Villa Park was the bare minimum to restore faith and build momentum.
Two mistakes in key moments cost Arsenal two goals against the defending champions in midweek, as the champions' quality and maturity shone through to secure all three points. Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored for Manchester City, while Saka scored from the spot.
The win was City's 11th-straight against the Gunners, a record Arteta and his team will be desperate to end.
Tonight’s 3-1 victory at the Emirates was Manchester City’s eleventh in a row against Arsenal in the Premier League. https://t.co/qudMRPX8xO
With City drawing 1-1 at Nottingham Forest, the Gunners are two points clear at the top and have a game in hand. Arteta's men next travel to Leicester City n the Premier League on February 25.