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Pundit lauds Saka’s excellent goal during Arsenal’s win over Leeds

By Ritayan Chatterjee on October 17, 2022

Football pundit Garth Crooks was amazed by Bukayo Saka’s excellent finishing during Arsenal’s crucial victory over Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners came away victorious in a dramatic encounter versus Jesse Marsch’s side at the Elland Road thanks to a sumptuous first-half strike from Saka. It was an eventful game which was filled with controversies and questionable VAR decisions.

The match had to be halted around the 5th minute due to a power cut inside the stadium, with the game being delayed for around 38 minutes.

Meanwhile, after a dominating first-half display, Arsenal found themselves on the back foot after the interval and struggled to perform at their best. But, they were bailed out by an excellent performance from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The biggest controversy was when VAR awarded a penalty to Leeds, for a handball by William Saliba, midway through the second half, after initially not being given by the on-field referee Chris Kavanagh. The replay showed there was offside in the build-up that remained unchecked and thankfully, Patrick Bamford missed his subsequent spot-kick which might have felt like justice for the visitors.

On the other occasion, the on-field referee awarded another penalty to the host after consulting with the lines-man due to violent conduct by Gabriel Magalhães inside the penalty box, showing a red card to the Brazilian. However, VAR reversed the on-field decision and awarded a free-kick to the Gunners for an initial foul by Bamford, although the defender was shown a yellow card, rescinding the initial red.

Pundit lauds Saka’s strike during the win over Leeds

Among all these dramas, Bukayo Saka was the match-winner at the end of this encounter and speaking on BBC, after the game, Crooks praised the youngster’s excellent goal versus Leeds and also mentioned the forward’s promising recent form.

Garth Crooks said:

“Four goals in the last three games for Saka. His goal against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League in midweek was impressive but his finish in the win over Leeds was outrageous. Scoring goals has always been the most difficult objective to achieve on a football pitch – even if it’s a penalty.”

Arsenal showed character in this victory that they used to lack in previous years. Leeds applied pressure in the second half but the Gunners’ defence stood strong and came away with all three points which is extremely impressive by Arteta’s side.

Following Arsenal’s victory and Manchester City’s defeat on Sunday, the north London club have now extended their lead at the top to four points, remaining at the summit with 27 points from 10 games.