Gary Neville hails ‘outstanding’ Bukayo Saka assist during Everton win

Sky Sports commentator and legendary Premier League full-back Gary Neville heaped praise on young Arsenal left-back Bukayo Saka after his brilliant cross during Sunday’s game between Arsenal and Everton.

Winger-turned-defender Saka was brought on for Sead Kolasinac after less than 20 minutes into the eventual win for the Gunners.

He instantly added pace down the left channel, with his natural attacking instincts drawing him into the Everton half.

And his efforts were rewarded just after the half-time break when he managed to pick out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a cross the Gabon international turned in smartly with his head.

The pass attracted praise from Neville, who admitted live on air that he had no idea Bukayo Saka would provide such a fantastic ball in to create Arsenal’s second goal.

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Neville told Sky Sports: “(Alex) Iwobi goes to sleep a little bit but he doesn't do too much wrong. But that cross, wow.

“There is not a lot a defender can do about that and neither can the goalkeeper.

“The quality of the cross was absolutely outstanding. All you want is your striker in that position and he (Nketiah) is. He gets a good contact on it.

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“It's harsh to suggest that Arsenal fans were happy that Sead Kolasinac went off but there was a bit of a cheer.

“What a cross from Saka. I was having a mundane chat because I thought nothing was on.”

Explaining why he had to replace Kolasinac with Saka, Arteta admitted that while there were a few fitness issues in his side, they showed magnificent “spirit” to see off Everton in a tight affair.

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“Sead Kolasinac had a shoulder problem,” Arteta said. “Everybody was cramping. We could only change two players. We had to defend very, very deep.”

"The best thing is the spirit we showed after coming back from Europe – three games in seven days. And coming back after we went behind. The resilience they showed after they were absolutely shattered.”

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