It was a brave move for Mikel Arteta to place so much faith in his younger players when his job was effectively on the line earlier in the season, but he’s been rewarded for making that choice.
It’s not just a case of them fitting into the team and helping out – it’s actually reached a point where they are standing up and dragging the team to victory at vital moments.
Bukayo Saka is the perfect example of that after his performance against Benfica tonight, and Aubameyang’s late winner was all about his skill and delivery to put it on a plate.
READ MORE: Video: Bukayo Saka shows silky skills to combine with Aubameyang again for late Arsenal winner against Benfica
The difference between good and great players is changing a game when it matters most. It would’ve been simple for Saka to wait for an overlap or to take the easy option and lay the ball off to a more senior player to take charge, but instead he was brave and actually made something happen.
His performance also caught the eye of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, and he was full of praise for the youngster after the game:
Saka is such a good player. Such a maturity and intelligence for his age. Game changer.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) February 25, 2021
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Fabregas knows a bit about taking the game by the scruff of the neck and playing a vital role for Arsenal at a young age, so hopefully Saka can continue to show this consistency and become a major player for years to come.
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