Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal and the Gunners boosted their chances of a more respectable finish to the season with a whopping 4-0 win over Norwich.
The Gunners win at the Emirates stadium came thanks to two goals from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and one each from Granit Zhaka and Cedric Soares. The win moved the team up to 7th in the Premier League.
Aubameyang is now level on 19 goals with Leicester’s Jamie Vardy at the top of the Premier League scoring charts. The Gabonese striker was joint top scorer last season with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah of Liverpool.
In the day’s other game, Chelsea lost 2-3 away to West Ham, failing to capitalize on Leicester’s slip to close in on their rivals and now have to watch out for Manchester United and Wolves breathing down their necks on 52 points.
West Ham moved out of the relegation zone with their win and this is looking like another great escape may be on the cards.
Leicester lost 1-2 to Everton and in another game, Bournemouth lost 1-4 to Newcastle to worsen their relegation worries.
It has been a good week for Arsenal after some poor performances since the restart. The Gunners were boosted by their FA Cup success at Sheffield United over the weekend that earned them a place in the Cup semi-finals. Back-to-back victories with the win over Norwich and Saka’s commitment to a new contract added to the good news.
18-year-old Saka, who came through the club’s academy, has impressed since making his debut for the Gunners in 2018. The Nigerian-born player took to Twitter to announce the news.
“London is my home. Arsenal my team. I’m so happy to finally announce my contract extension,” he wrote.
“I love playing for this club and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
“The hard work continues so I can continue living my dream,” concluded Saka who has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta described Saka as “a talented and intelligent young player”.
“Bukayo is a talented and intelligent young player,” Arteta told the club’s official website.
“He has impressed me with his work ethic and attitude to learn and adapt, and it has paid off in his performances.
“I am excited to continue working with him to develop him further, and for him to help us achieve our goals,” he said.
Saka has continued to impress, predominantly in a wing-back role, since he made his Premier League debut in the 4-1 win over Fulham last season, at the age of 17.
The Gunners were under increasing pressure to tie him to the Emirates Stadium following reported interest from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
Gunners technical director Edu added: “This is something everyone involved wanted to happen and we are delighted that Bukayo has signed a new long-term contract.
“He’s making great progress and is one of a number of young players who have developed through our academy.
“This is so important for us as we move forward as a club,” he concluded.
