Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Bukayo Saka was brutally honest about his own performance despite Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.
The England winger described his early corner deliveries as “rubbish” even though one of them eventually led to the match-winning goal.
Leandro Trossard’s 58th-minute strike proved the difference as Mikel Arteta’s men extended their stay at the top of the Premier League table. The result kept Arsenal three points ahead of Manchester City, who had earlier claimed a 2-0 win against Everton. Yet for Saka, perfection mattered more than the result, and he couldn’t help but reflect critically on his set-piece execution.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the winger admitted: “We have some big guys in the box. At the start of the game, I took some rubbish corners. I was quite disappointed.
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“I kept going, and I think this (the one that Trossard converted) is the fourth one. I put it in, and it was a nice delivery. Gabriel got the touch, and Leo got the goal, so I am very happy with that. Did you not see them?”
Saka
Bukayo Saka (Image credit: Getty Images)
Saka also had reason to feel frustrated later in the match after seeing a penalty decision overturned by VAR. Referee Anthony Taylor initially awarded a spot-kick when Fulham forward Kevin appeared to trip the 24-year-old inside the box. However, after consulting the replay, Taylor determined that Kevin had made a slight touch on the ball before making contact with Saka.
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Explaining his decision, Taylor announced: “After review, number 22 makes a challenge and plays the ball therefore no foul is committed.” He then added: “No penalty, restart with a drop ball from the goalkeeper,” a verdict that didn’t sit well with the travelling Arsenal supporters. The Premier League’s official Match Centre later confirmed the decision on X, writing: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal.”
Despite the setback, Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock through Trossard, who pounced at the far post after Gabriel’s flick-on from Saka’s corner. The Gunners maintained control for most of the second half, withstanding a late Fulham push as they held on for a valuable three points.
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