Jamie Redknapp Says Bukayo Saka Is Frustrating Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal
Arsenal are one giant step closer to being in this years Carabao Cup final after a truly exhilarating 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on wednesday night.
The gunners are now sitting pretty, with a one goal advantage in the bag, and just one game to go to secure their spot in the final at the Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White, and Martin Zubimendi were all that was needed to help Arsenal to the top, and these 3 crucial strikes kept their impressive run of form going across competitions.
Chelsea were throwing everything at them in the last 20 minutes of the match, including two goals from the equalising efforts of Alejandro Garnacho, but despite this late charge, the Gunners showed just how well they can dig in and fight back.
Gyokeres Finally Delivers a Goal Worth Talking About
Viktor Gyokeres, the £64m summer signing from Sporting CP, hadnt been doing so hot since his big money transfer, having had a run of games without a goal since November 1 & even being labelled a bit rubbish by Gary Neville after a goalless draw with Liverpool.
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But all of that changed when he popped up with a goal in the second half. This was just the thing to take some of the pressure off, and it was great to see him finally turning up on the big stage.
Jamie Redknapp was over the moon with how well Gyokeres played that night, calling it an “exceptional performance” and a “good showing”, and the way he highlighted the forward’s growing impact really drove home the obvious signs that this guy is finally getting his act together.
Redknapp on Saka’s style driving Gyokeres Crazy
But Redknapp wasnt all praise for Gyokeres – he also pointed out a major tactical issue that the striker is running into. The pundit reckons that Bukayo Saka – a naturally left footed player who likes to play on the right wing – has become a major headache for Gyokeres.
Redknapp went on to explain to Sky Sports how this style clash is holding Gyokeres back
“A lot of the time, the crosses he’d come in on would be coming from his old right back and left back. but with Arsenal, the problem for Gyokeres is Bukayo Saka plays on the right and he’s left footed. So when he gets into that position, instead of firing a low cross into the box, he just wants to chop back. That’s where the frustration comes from”
There was one of these moments during the match – when Gyokeres gets frustrated with Saka chopping back instead of whipping a cross in, just before White’s goal comes from a very similar situation.
Arsenal Blown Their Chance to Put it to Bed
While Arsenal are still sitting pretty, Redknapp reckons they could have actually killed the tie off last night. He pointed out:
“it was a game that Arsenal could’ve been really comfortable in. They made a bunch of changes towards the end of the game. Just felt like that goal Chelsea got right at the end has put a bit of a nice complexion on things. They would’ve taken it before the game even started, and it is still a good result. But this game could’ve been dead and buried”
What’s Next for Arsenal and Chelsea?
Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend but their minds are already on a trip to Nottingham Forest with the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg looming large in the new year – they’ll be aiming to wrap up a spot in the final in early February and bring an end to that long drought for major silverware.
As Arsenal continue to juggle several competitions at once, working Gyokeres into their attacking line-up alongside stars like Bukayo Saka is going to be crucial for them in the months ahead.
Also Read: Chelsea vs Arsenal Carabao Cup Semi-Final Match Preview: Team News, Key Battles, and Prediction
Jamie Redknapp Says Bukayo Saka Is Frustrating Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal