Given the trajectory of Bukayo Saka’s career so far, we should not have been surprised he marked his Champions League debut like this.
Just 20 minutes had been played against PSV Eindhoven when Saka had already put the game to bed and ensured Arsenal’s return to Europe’s top table was a happy one.
He opened the scoring after eight minutes with a well-taken finish after PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez had spilled Martin Odegaard’s shot. Moments later, Saka turned provider by teeing up Leandro Trossard to score.
It was the perfect start for Arsenal on what would turn out to be a dream night for them and Saka.
The 22-year-old took the Champions League by storm on his competition debut, but he can perhaps be thankful PSV gave him the platform to do so.
At Everton on Sunday, and in the Premier League over the past few seasons, Saka has had to cope with rough treatment from defenders and being double marked.
But here, on the biggest stage of all, he was given the freedom of the right flank by PSV and he took full advantage.
Noa Lang - admittedly PSV’s brightest spark going forward - showed little desire to help out left-back Sergino Dest, who had a torrid time trying to stop Saka.
Time and time again Saka got the 22-year-old one on one and it was no shock he had a hand in the first two goals.
Before this game, one of the question marks about Arsenal had been a lack of Champions League experience, but Saka underlined how their talent can supersede that.
Admittedly this was a very gentle start to the competition for Saka and his fellow debutants, with some of PSV’s defending more suited to Thursday’s nights and the Europa League.
The Gunners, however, could only beat what was in front of them and they ruthlessly punished PSV for their defensive lapses.
Indeed, for Arsenal’s third, Gabriel Jesus had time to bring the ball down in the box from a cross before lashing it home.That goal came in the 38th minute and by that stage the damage was done.
In the second-half the foot came off the gas, with Martin Odegaard adding a fourth and Arteta using the lead to unload his bench and rest players ahead of Sunday’s north London derby.
Saka was subbed with just over 20 minutes to go, getting the standing ovation his performance deserved.
