Bukayo Saka was easily the best Arsenal player on the pitch as they drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur – but he still “needs to be more aggressive” after failing to put away their north London rivals.
The Gunners took the lead on Sunday thanks to a heavy deflected shot from the England winger which went in off Cristian Romero, but Son Heung-min equalised before halftime.
Saka put Arsenal ahead again from the penalty spot, but Son equalised a second time mere moments later.
The 22-year-old enjoyed great joy on the right flank as he pinned left-back Destiny Udogie to his collar. But he didn’t add to his tally as both sides shared the points.
Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes Saka is “too nice”, questioning whether the player possessed the self-belief to kill off Tottenham.
“I know he is too nice,” he told the BBC Football Daily podcast. “The full-back [Udogie] had been booked. If I’m on that pitch and I had Saka’s ability, I’d be demanding the ball and every minute running at him.
“I want him to say ‘this is my Arsenal’ and then be more aggressive. He can force fouls, get Udogie sent off. At times, I don’t know if he just did not believe in himself, or was happy to just play his role.”
The result means both sides remain unbeaten in the Premier League after six games. Spurs sit fourth in the table, one place ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.
