Mikel Arteta hails ‘courageous’ Bukayo Saka as incredible Arsenal impact continues in Europa League

The 18-year-old assisted the winner for Alexandre Lacazette in Athens

Saka is impressing at Arsenal out of position (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has hailed Bukayo Saka after his latest match-winning impact for Arsenal against Olympiacos.

The Gunners take a 1-0 lead back from Athens in their round of 32 Europa League tie.

Saka set up Alexandre Lacazette’s goal with a low cross, flourishing once more to take his assist total for the season to nine – more than any other player in the squad.

And Arteta has heaped special praise on the England youth international for his contribution, especially while playing out of position at left-back.

“He’s not a full-back, but he’s responding really well in the right way, he’s got a lot of courage,” Arteta told BT Sport.

Saka joins Lacazette to celebrate (Getty)

“He made a lot of good positions in final third and most of the chances came from his side. I’m very pleased with his performance.”

Lacazette capitalised on his fortuitous goal against Newcastle to snap a nine-game drought, with his goal in Piraeus his second in as many games.

And Arteta was especially pleased by the reaction of his teammates to both goals, proving the growing chemistry in the squad.

“That confidence and support came from me and his team mates,” Arteta added.

“The way they reacted when he scored, that was a lift. That’s not just a coincidence. It’s something that happens because the energy of the team is putting energy into him as well.”