“Robbery” – Fans express disapproval as Premier League ‘denies’ Bukayo Saka unique assist record in thrilling 4-2 win over Leicester 

Fans were left disappointed after Bukayo Saka failed to become the first player to assist in six consecutive EPL matches, due to an own goal.


“Robbery” – Fans express disapproval as Premier League ‘denies’ Bukayo Saka unique assist record in thrilling 4-2 win over Leicester 

Bukayo Saka narrowly missed the record to become the first player to provide assists in six consecutive matches in the EPL. (via Arsenal Insider)

In a surprising turn of events, Bukayo Saka was denied a unique assist record after a goal against Leicester City was declared as an own goal. The 23-year-old forward, otherwise, would have been the first player in the EPL to have six assists in the six opening matches. 

Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal claim a last-gasp victory with an impressive scoreline of 4-2. The Gunners had taken a 2-0 lead over the visitors before half-time through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. However, a second half brace from James Justin brought Leicester back into the match. In the dying minutes of the match, Saka swung in a corner from the right side to Trossard, who put it past the goalkeeper, through a deflection. Kai Havertz then sealed the match with a 99th minute goal. 

Counted as an assist for the 23-year-old winger, Saka henceforth made a record for being the first player in the EPL to provide an assist in six consecutive matches of a season. However, to his dismay, the match officials later ruled that Trossard’s volley would be counted as an own goal. The Belgian forward’s shot had been diverted into the Leicester goal by midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Despite falling short of the six-match record, Saka has still shone this season, with seven goal contributions. 

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Moreover, his five-match consecutive assists record puts him at par with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who achieved this feat during the 2004-05 season. Saka, who has been dubbed as the ‘face of the league’, would be aiming for the EPL trophy this season. 

Fans express disappointment after Bukayo Saka loses Premier League assist record 

Bukayo Saka would have broken the record for the most consecutive matches with an assist. He had provided an assist during a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester, but as it was later counted as an own-goal, it angered the fans. 

Bukayo Saka fans
Fans slammed the Premier League for ‘robbing’ Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s assist record. (via Football London)

Fans shared their disappointment on social media, with some claiming that the 23-year-old forward had been robbed of his accolade. Some others questioned the referee’s decisions, exclaiming that Leandro Trossard’s shot was goal-bound and he deserved to have been credited with the goal. A few others questioned the EPL’s biases toward Arsenal.

A surprisingly mentioned that only Cole Palmer, who scored four goals during Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton, managed to create a record this weekend. Heartbreaking for Saka, he will however be ready for the club’s next outing against French giants PSG.