Sport Nation 2Arsenal continues to shine in the 2024/25 season, driven by two standout performers: Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães. Both players have demonstrated extraordinary skill, elevating their game to new heights and solidifying their place in Arsenal’s history. Their contributions, both individually and as part of a cohesive team, highlight the Gunners’ resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
Saka: Arsenal’s Generational Talent
Bukayo Saka, the 23-year-old Hale End graduate, has once again proven why he’s regarded as one of the finest players in the Premier League. With 15 goal involvements—10 assists and five goals—across 12 league matches, Saka is on track to challenge Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists in a single Premier League campaign.
Saka’s influence extends beyond statistics. His creativity and relentless energy were on full display during Arsenal’s 5-2 victory over West Ham. He orchestrated the team’s attacking play, delivering a corner that led to Gabriel’s opener, assisting Leandro Trossard’s goal, winning a penalty for Martin Ødegaard to convert, and scoring a penalty himself. His ability to consistently deliver in crucial moments underlines his status as one of Arsenal’s all-time greats.
Performance Against West Ham
Saka’s performance against West Ham was a masterclass in offensive efficiency. Over 74 minutes, he recorded one goal, two assists, four key passes, and two successful dribbles, all while maintaining a 69% passing accuracy. His set-piece delivery, particularly from corners, has been a critical asset, enabling Arsenal to convert opportunities into goals with remarkable consistency.
The Ødegaard-Saka Connection
The return of Martin Ødegaard to Arsenal’s starting XI has reinvigorated the team, especially Saka. The duo’s chemistry has been pivotal, with Ødegaard assisting eight of Saka’s 65 career goals for the club—a testament to their telepathic understanding on the field. Against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, Ødegaard’s vision set up crucial plays for Saka, reinforcing their partnership as one of the most effective in the league.
Gabriel Magalhães: Arsenal’s Defensive Titan
While Saka dazzles in attack, Gabriel Magalhães has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive solidity and offensive threat from set pieces. Signed for £27 million from Lille in 2020, Gabriel has grown into one of the Premier League’s most reliable center-backs. His aerial prowess and positioning have made him a constant menace in the opposition’s box.
Goalscoring Defender
Gabriel’s contributions in 2024/25 include four goals in 19 games, two of which came in his last two outings. Against Sporting Lisbon, he powered home a header from a Declan Rice corner, and his goal against West Ham, set up by Saka’s pinpoint delivery, gave Arsenal an early advantage. Since joining Arsenal, Gabriel has scored 17 goals in Europe’s top five leagues, the highest tally for a center-back during that period.
Arsenal’s Corner Threat
Arsenal has become the most prolific team from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023/24 season, scoring 20 goals. Gabriel’s five goals from such situations further illustrate his value. His ability to capitalize on set pieces has been instrumental in securing vital points, and his scoring record cements his legacy as one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever defenders.
Legacy in the Making
Gabriel’s contributions have drawn comparisons to Arsenal legends like Laurent Koscielny and Tony Adams. He is already the club’s second-highest-scoring center-back, with 17 goals, and boasts the best goals-per-game ratio among defenders. While he still needs silverware to match Adams’ illustrious career, Gabriel’s trajectory suggests he could etch his name alongside Arsenal’s all-time greats.
Arsenal’s Tactical Evolution
Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach has maximized the strengths of players like Saka and Gabriel. Arsenal’s ability to score from corners, control possession, and exploit wide areas has made them a balanced and dangerous team. Players such as Ødegaard, Trossard, and Rice have complemented Saka and Gabriel, ensuring Arsenal’s resurgence is built on collective effort.
The victory over West Ham showcased Arsenal’s attacking depth and defensive resilience. Saka’s creativity and Gabriel’s dominance in both penalty areas epitomize the team’s growth under Arteta. With consistent performances across competitions, Arsenal looks poised to challenge for major honors this season.
Challenges Ahead
Despite their impressive form, Arsenal must maintain consistency to compete for silverware. The Premier League race remains competitive, and their Champions League campaign requires focus. Yet, with players like Saka and Gabriel leading the charge, Arsenal has the tools to achieve success.
Conclusion
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães embody Arsenal’s resurgence, combining flair, determination, and excellence. Saka’s creativity and Gabriel’s defensive reliability have made them indispensable to Arteta’s plans. As they continue to break records and deliver memorable performances, both players are carving out legacies as two of the greatest talents in Arsenal’s storied history.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
