Bukayo Saka joins Thierry Henry in exclusive club that spells good news for Arsenal

Bukayo​ Saka joined an elite club this weekend

Bukayo Saka joined an elite club this weekend

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Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 31/08/2024

- 19:01

Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday

Bukayo Saka's assist in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Brighton saw him join an exclusive club alongside Thierry Henry.

The 22-year-old's terrific work in the first half saw him lay up Kai Havertz for a fine opener against the Seagulls on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates.


It has seen him earn an assist in each of Arsenal's opening three fixtures of the new season.

Only one other Gunners player has ever managed such a feat - the legendary Henry.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka was on top form on Saturday

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The Frenchman, who is Arsenal's highest-ever goalscorer with 228, managed the feat 20 years ago in 2004/05.

And Arsenal fans will not need reminding about that season - being one of the most iconic campaigns in English football.

The Gunners went the campaign unbeaten, earning the nickname 'The Invincibles', as they scooped the Premier League title.

That was also the last time the north London club have won the league and Arsenal fans will be desperate that history is repeating itself 20 years on.

Saka's assist came about after beating Brighton defender Lewis Dunk to an aeriel ball against the odds.

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The England international then slipped Havertz sharply, who lofted the ball over an onrushing Bart Verbruggen.

It was his third assist of the Premier League season already, having got one against Aston Villa last week, as well as against Wolves in their opening game of the season.

The forward also got on the scoresheet himself against Wolves, making it a fine start to the campaign for Saka, who also finished the match against Brighton as captain.

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Saka

Bukayo Saka set Kai Havertz up for Arsenal's opener

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Arsenal could not hold onto the lead, though, with Declan Rice controversially being sent off after the break.

Joao Pedro equalised moments later for the visitors while neither side could land a winner, preserving both of their unbeaten starts to the campaign.

"I was amazed," said Arteta, speaking about the red card.

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Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka finished the match as captain for Arsenal

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"Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.

"Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball.

"By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card so we play 10vs10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing."

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