<\/p>\n
Those same casuals will be more than aware that just 15 months ago Saka experienced a moment of sporting misfortune that had the potential to derail a career. Survival in the Euro 2020 final on the line. The enormous frame of Gianluigi Donnarumma dives the right way. Penalty saved. A torrent of racial hatred follows online.<\/p>\n
A grim feeling of doubt was therefore surely present in the minds of some as the slight figure of Saka, made to look even slighter by the framing of the camera, prepared to find a way past the sizeable Alisson and give Arsenal the lead for a third time on Sunday afternoon against Liverpool.<\/p>\n
Saka guided an effort into the bottom left corner of the Brazillian’s goal with both precision and power. Alisson dived the right way, just as Donnarumma did at Wembley, but the conviction with which the ball was struck meant the possibility of a save was never realistic.<\/p>\n
That goal sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table.<\/p>\n
What those with less investment in the fortunes of the 21-year-old may not have realised is that this was not the first decisive spot-kick that Saka has taken responsibility for since, nor is it even the second.<\/p>\n
The successful penalty at the weekend means that he has now scored from the spot against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea since the Euro 2020 final – all of which came in important games and earned equally important points.<\/p>\n