Gabriel Martinelli praises Bukayo Saka after Arsenal's win over Southampton - ‘One of the best players in the world'

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Bukayo Saka continued his brilliant start to the season for Arsenal, taking his tally to three goals and seven assists across all competitions in a 3-1 win over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Gabriel Martinelli highlighted just how important Saka is to Arsenal, after the Brazilian was the beneficiary from one of the England winger's two assists.

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Gabriel Martinelli hailed Bukayo Saka as "unbelievable" after the England winger claimed a goal and two assists in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.

The Gunners were stunned by Cameron Archer's opener for the Saints, before Kai Havertz, Martinelli and Saka responded to move Mikel Arteta's side back to within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Martinelli was delighted to make an impact within four minutes of entering the pitch in place of Raheem Sterling, before lauding Saka’s qualities.

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“I’m really happy, really confident now and just trying to play my football again,” he said in quotes published on the club's website.

“[Arteta said] go there, control the game and try to take the game to the final third and create chances for us.

“We know when someone opens the ball up, we know the areas that we need to go. It was an unbelievable ball from B [Saka], and I was there – a really good moment for me and a nice goal. I just tried to put it down, and I’m really happy with the goal.

“He’s a really nice guy as well, so we’re really happy to have him here as one of the captains. He’s unbelievable, one of the best players in the world right now.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also heaped praise on Saka, and believes the 23-year-old is becoming one of the wiser and more experienced heads in the squad, despite his relatively tender age.

When asked in his press conference if Saka is showing more leadership, he replied: "For sure. That’s the maturity and that’s the steps that players have to do.

“He’s been in the team long enough to have that role. When you want to be at the top, players have to make those moments to change the game. He did that again."

Saka has featured in all 10 of Arsenal’s games in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup to date this campaign, and Arteta admits he is conscious that the winger does not burn out.

"Yeah there is [temptation to rest Saka],” Arteta explained.

“We have taken him off a few times this season. We have to manage his load, but at the moment he’s in a really good place."

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