Bukayo Saka says Mikel Arteta is working to ‘bring back the Arsenal way’, after the teenager rounded off a terrific team move to set the Gunners on their way to FA Cup victory over Bournemouth.
Saka was named man-of-the-match in the 2-1 win at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night, also setting up the second goal for Eddie Nketiah, with Sam Surridge scoring a late consolation for the Cherries.
But it was Saka’s opening goal which would have pleased Gunners fans most, the makeshift full-back rifling in off the underside of the bar to cap a 22-pass move that involved all ten outfield players.
That goal was set up by in-form Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, and the two 18-year-old’s have already struck up a fruitful partnership down the left flank.
“Mikel’s trying to bring back the philosophy, the Arsenal passing way, and I think we played really good football in the first half,” Saka told BT Sport.
“[Martinelli & I] train a lot together we speak a lot, we’re good friends, we speak about how we’re going to beat the defenders, get in behind and score goals.”
Nketiah’s goal marked his first appearance since being recalled from a loan spell at Championship side Leeds.
Initially, Arsenal looked likely to ship him out on loan again, but Arteta eventually opted to keep the England youth international at the club.
"It's nice to be back. I had a great experience at Leeds. It's a dream to play for Arsenal and I'm grateful for this opportunity," Nketiah said.
“I think we started really sharp, played some great football, everyone was at it. That’s what we’ve been building on with Mikel, everyone’s fighting for each other and working hard."
