Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has said that before Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Southampton, he had discussed the possibility of unhinging the Saints’ defence with Alexandre Lacazette.
It was a chat that evidently paid dividends as the former Lyon forward set up the teenager for what proved to be the winning goal.
And it was conceived in exactly the way that Saka hoped – and he was delighted that his more senior colleague had taken the time to pay heed to his words.
Speaking to BT Sport, Saka explained: “I spoke to him before the game about the opportunity, telling him, as soon as he gets the opportunity, I’m going to run in behind. He listened, so I’m happy with that.”
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Meanwhile, it was a fine outcome for Arteta’s men, who had slumped out of the FA Cup at the same venue at the weekend.
“It was much better. We knew their weakness and I thought we exploited them well,” Saka explained.
His side are now up to eighth in the league, but he is not getting carried away with an improved run of form since Christmas.
“This season, the Premier League is changing so rapidly,” he pointed out. “Just a few weeks ago, we were in the bottom half of the table. We just have to focus about going game by game and seeing where it takes us.”
Meanwhile, he is the latest in a number of teenagers to pay tribute to Arteta for what he has done for his game.
“The boss makes everything clear for me but at the same time he gives me the freedom to do what I want in the final third,” he said. “I’m happy to be playing for Arsenal. It’s a dream.”
Bukayo Saka 
Alexandre Lacazette 
Arsenal 
Southampton 
