Bukayo Saka looks better than Nicolas Pepe - Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has made a bold claim, insisting youngster Bukayo Saka looked “better” than Gunners club-record signing Nicolas Pepe in this evening’s Europa League win over Frankfurt.

The Gunners made a winning start to their Europa League campaign, with their 3-0 victory being inspired by youngster Saka, who claimed his first senior goal for the club and two assists. Saka took up residence on the left-wing as Gunners chief Unai Emery took up the opportunity to rotate his pack and offer opportunities to some of the club’s youngsters.

And Emery’s gamble paid dividends as Saka delivered an eye-catching display on the wing. Keown told BT Sport: “They toyed away trying to get young players in and they have found one in Saka.

"You think of the way Pepe is playing at the moment and they paid £72million for him, and this kid looks better than him tonight."

“By the way, Willock as well gets the reward and breakthrough moment for him. He gets a bit lucky but that is all 100 per cent the academy there."

"Yes they rode their luck. There were three or four good chances for Frankfurt tonight, but they kept going. And when he gets the ball here, the young kid Saka, look at this for composure, he's passed that into the goal - it's a beautiful finish."

"He's 18 years of age - unbelievable."

"Keown was not the only one who was quick to heap praise on Saka, with fellow BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves also singing the praises of the talented 18-year-old."

"This is what you want to see from young kids, working hard, pressing the ball and then puts it on a plate for Aubameyang, cools as you like, we know that from Aubameyang,” the former England international added.

“Germany fans are used to English players tearing it up in Germany because of Jadon Sancho, but we have another boy there, 18-years-old - outstanding."

By Olamide Oyetunji