Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has hailed Bukayo Saka after the winger's starring role in the Gunners' thrilling win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Saka had a major hand in creating Gabriel Martinelli 's opening goal before scoring twice himself to hand Mikel Arteta's men all three points. It was another impressive display from the 21-year-old, who has had a huge role in Arsenal's charge to the top of the Premier League table.
He has also earned the admiration of Ozil, who is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery. The attacking midfielder played alongside Saka for a season before he left the Emirates Stadium in January 2021.
And the German made it clear following Arsenal's win who he thought was their man of the match. That man was Saka, with Ozil professing his love for the England international over social media.
"Just love for my boy @BukayoSaka87. Rocking the Premier League. #YaGunnersYa," Ozil tweeted. There is clearly a bond between the duo from their time playing together, with Saka replying: "Love you too M10 #YaGunnersYa."
Ozil was not the only spectator watching Sunday's clash who was left hailing Saka. Manchester United legend Gary Neville has also hailed the winger, who he believes will be key to Arsenal continuing their good form.
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"He is a big talent, tough kid, when you watch him he just wants the ball all the time, shows for the ball all the time, he’s enthusiastic, he brings life to the crowd, everything you’d want in a young wide player," Neville told the Gary Neville Podcast.
"He’s tenacious, he’s a really, really good player, a really, really fantastic player and I have to say I thought he was quiet in the first-half but Liverpool were better in that period of the game but he still hangs in there, doing his job.
"Second-half he becomes stronger and the penalty is a big moment, we were feeling it, the crowd anticipation, Liverpool’s experienced players delaying the penalty to put pressure on him.
"Alisson’s a huge presence, you see the size of Alisson and you think if he dives the right way he’s going to save it, he did dive the right way and didn’t save and that tells you how well he’s hit that penalty. Well done to Saka, he’s a breath of fresh air, you can’t not like anything he does, even if he has a bad game, he’s always there."
Saka's two goals helped Arsenal to remain a point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table and pull 14 points clear of Liverpool, who had been expected to challenge for the title. The Gunners are next in action on Thursday when they travel to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
Their star man on Sunday is likely to be rested for that game at the Aspmyra Stadion. He will likely return to the starting line-up on Sunday though, when Arteta's men travel to Leeds United in their next top-flight outing.
