Bukayo Saka during Arsenal clash against Southampton(Image: Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Arsenal star makes cryptic Bukayo Saka comparison to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Bukayo Saka dragged Arsenal to victory on Saturday after going behind to Southampton

05 Oct 2024, 20:00 by Jake Stokes · football.london

Jurrien Timber appears to branded Bukayo Saka the 'greatest of all time' following Arsenal's 3-1 win over Southampton. The 23-year-old winger played a crucial role in Mikel Arteta's side as the Gunners stormed past the Saints at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Saka was directly involved in each of Arsenal's three goals; he teed up Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli before putting the final nail in the coffin, beating Aaron Ramsdale in the dying embers of the clash. After the game, the England international marked the victory with a celebratory post on Instagram.

Keeping it short and sweet, he captioned the picture with a 'salute' emoji. In just a couple of hours, Saka's post eclipsed 200,000 likes and 6,000 comments from supporters, friends and family – and one message in particular stood out.

Timber commented a 'goat' emoji, which is often used as a way to describe somebody as the 'greatest of all time'. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely regarded by many as the greatest of all time, alongside Diego Maradona and Pele.

The Arsenal defender's comment chalked up more likes than any other, which speaks volumes about Saka's performance. Speaking to reporters, Arteta was asked for his verdict on the Hale End graduate's display.

"He’s been in the team long enough to earn the right to have that [leadership] role," said the Spaniard. "He believes in that. He has the capacity to change and decide games like many other players.

"If we want to be at the top, sometimes players have to create those moments and he’s certainly done that again today," added Arteta. The Gunners boss was then asked if the efficiency In Saka's game seems different.

He replied: "No, I think it’s another step in what he wants. Especially when – do it at home, do it big games, in not-so-big games, when the team needs him. That’s what defines a top, top player."

Arteta concluded: "There are the stats and you cannot get away from that and what he’s doing at his age is unbelievable. We have many examples of that as well."

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