BUKAYO SAKA shared a hilarious picture with an Arsenal Invincibles icon who “almost lost his legend status” after a shock statement.
Saka is already one of the Gunners’ star players at the age of 23.
The winger has already clocked up 235 games, scoring 60 goals in the process after netting in last night’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.
And he’s just eight appearances away from a half-century of England caps too.
However, Saka and his fans were left shocked after a huge call from an Arsenal hero.
The winger was put up against Manchester City and Belgian rival Jeremy Doku to decide who the better player was.
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The awkward question was put to none other than Invincibles star Robert Pires.
He won two titles and two FA Cups in 284 games for the Gunners.
Yet Pires astounded the Emirates faithful by declaring Doku to be better than Saka.
Speaking last month he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.
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“Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than season when it counts.
“For example, in my opinion, Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”
Pires’ comments caused a backlash from Arsenal fans, forcing him into a grovelling U-turn last month.
The Frenchman said: “I want to clarify that I think Bukayo Saka is an amazing player and I have huge respect for him.
“A while ago I was asked to compare him to another player. I said the other player had better skills in some areas.
“This does not mean the other player is better. I genuinely think Saka is better and a fantastic No7.”
Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armour
KAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.
Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.
But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.
DAVID RAYA – 7
Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.
Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.
A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.
However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.
GABRIEL – 7
Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.
Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.
THOMAS PARTEY – 8
So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.
Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.
Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.
Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
KAI HAVERTZ – 9
Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.
Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.
SUBS:
JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7
Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.
MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7
Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.
GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6
Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A
Now, a day after Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over PSG, the hatchet appears to have been buried.
Saka and Pires posed together for a smiley selfie in the home dressing room, with Saka cheekily captioning it: “Friends again.”
This saw relieved Arsenal fans declare that Pires has been completely forgiven.
One said: “Almost lost his legend status for that wild statement.”
Another declared: “We almost cancelled this man because of you.”
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One noted: “Future legend with legend.”
Another added: “Still can’t believe of all people he tried to say Doku is better.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
