‘Dream come true’ as Saka shines for Arsenal in Europe
FRANKFURT: Bukayo Saka said it was a “dream come true” to score his first goal for Arsenal in their 3-0 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
Saka, 18, claimed his first senior goal on Thursday as Arsenal scored twice late on after Joe Willock gave the Gunners a first-half lead in the Group F clash in Germany.
Saka showed great composure to score Arsenal’s second goal on 85 minutes shortly after Frankfurt were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Dominik Kohr was sent off for a second yellow card.
He then set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the Gunners’ third goal after audaciously robbing Frankfurt captain David Abraham just before the final whistle.
“I’m so happy to score for Arsenal, it’s a dream come true – I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid,” said Saka, making only his second Europa League start.
“I just want to keep working hard to make sure I can feel this feeling again.”
It was Frankfurt’s first loss in Europe in 16 games stretching back to 2006, and the win put Arsenal top of the group ahead of Standard Liege, who beat Vitoria Guimaraes of Portugal 2-0 at home.
Emery praised his young side as Saka and Willock, 20, seized their chances to impress, but warned Aston Villa will demand more in the Premier League on Sunday.
“We know tonight was going to be difficult, they fell back very deep and caused us problems early on,” said Emery.
“We recovered the ball well and the young players showed the confidence to take their chances.
“Everybody can be happy and continuing in this competition is important, so it was good to get a good win, especially away from home.”
Emery praised his side’s defence for leaving Frankfurt’s attack empty-handed despite 24 shots on goal.
“We analysed the team (Frankfurt) and they are very offensive, their fullbacks play like wingers, but we pressed well against them,” said the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers started in fine fashion as they edged out Feyenoord 1-0 at Ibrox in Group G with Sheyi Ojo scoring the only goal of the game midway through the first half.
It is an ideal start for Rangers in a tough group and their next match will be away in Switzerland against Young Boys, who lost 2-1 at Porto on Thursday with Tiquinho netting twice for the hosts.
Celtic battled to a 1-1 draw with Rennes in France in a fiery Group E encounter. They now host CFR Cluj, the same side who eliminated them in Champions League qualifying. The Romanians shocked Lazio 2-1 on Thursday.