BUKAYO SAKA was Arsenal’s ‘best player by a mile’ in Sunday’s win over West Brom, according to Joe Cole.
The versatile England ace, 20, was moved to left-back for the visit of the Baggies on Sunday evening having spent much of the season in a more attacking role.
And Saka put in another supreme performance, including an assist for the first goal, as Arsenal eventually edged past West Brom 3-1 to relegate Sam Allardyce’s team.
The winger will now be hoping to end the season strongly as he aims to cement his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s delayed European Championship.
Saka’s strong showing at the Emirates won’t have hurt his chances either, with ex-England midfielder Cole raving about him.
After the game, Cole told BT Sport: “[Saka] was excellent.
“He was a thorn in [West Brom’s] side. His movement was fantastic.
“He’s so direct, he drives into areas and picks passes out all the time.
“He was Arsenal’s best player by a mile.”
Saka’s pinpoint assist for Emile Smith Rowe’s opener was swiftly followed by a screamer from Nicolas Pepe to make it 2-0 to the Gunners.
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Despite that, Cole slammed the Ivorian, saying his energy levels are miles off that of Saka.
Cole claimed: “He plays in fits and starts Pepe… he was so lacklustre.
“Compare him to Saka on the other side who was full of energy and was vibrant.
“Pepe was wandering, after 30 minutes we were questioning what he was on the pitch for.
“But he has got the quality and that’s why you pay £72m for him because he can do things like that.
“You just need to see it more often.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
