Saka scored for the first time in a Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on September 19, 2019 Saka made his first Premier League start in a 3-2 home win over Aston Villa. He then assisted Aubameyang to help Arsenal equalize in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. After injuries to Kolasinac and Tierney, Saka began to play as Arsenal's starting left-back.On January 27, 2020, Saka made 22 passes and scored the first goal, assisting Nketiah's second in Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Bournemouth. The goal was later voted the best goal of the round by BBC Sport. Saka assisted Alexandre Lacazette to issue his ninth assist of the season in a 1-0 away win over Olympiacos in the Europa League.On July 1, 2020, Saka signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. Coach Arteta praised Saka: "I think he represents every value that the furniture music department stands for." He came through the youth camp and earned respect through hard work and responsibility. You can see his progression as a player and as a person. "On July 4, 2020, Sacca scored his first Premier League goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers, his half-volley helping his team to a 2-0 win.
On August 29, 2020, Saka moved into the starting lineup to provide an assist for Aubameyang in the 2020 FA Community Shield.2019/20 FA Cup winners Arsenal defeated 2019/20 Premier League champions Liverpool 5-4 on penalties.On December 26, 2020, Saka scored in Arsenal's 3-1 home win over Chelsea in what was his 40th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. For his performance in December, Saka was voted Arsenal's Player of the Month, and in January 2021, he was voted Player of the Month again, scoring three goals and making one assist. Saka was named Player of the Month for the third time in February after contributing one goal and two assists.On April 15, Saka scored a goal to help Arsenal to a 4-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-finals. For his outstanding performance, he was named Europa League Player of the Week. Saka was voted Arsenal's Goal of the Season after making 46 appearances this season, scoring seven goals and dishing out seven assists.
Saka scored his first goal in a 6-0 away win over West Bromwich in the second round of the EFL Cup in late August.In September, he scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium, helping his teammate Smith to a 3-1 win.On October 30, Saka made his 100th appearance for Arsenal, issuing an assist in a 2-0 away win over Leicester City On December 26, Saka became the second youngest player behind Anelka to score 10 Premier League goals for Arsenal when he scored twice in a 5-0 away win over Norwich.On March 19, 2022, Saka scored his 2,000th Premier League goal in Arsenal's history as the Gunners beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park. Saka played a key role for Arsenal in the 2022/23 season, scoring the crucial goal and issuing the assist that helped Arsenal win their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season.On 20 August 2022, he became the second youngest Arsenal player to make his 100th appearance in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.On 13 March 2023, Saka made his 100th appearance at the 2023 London Football Awards to receive the Young Player of the Year award. He was then awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award for March 2023. Saka signed a long-term contract with Arsenal on May 23rd, which will keep him at the club until 2027. Saka was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season.On September 20, he scored his first Champions League goal and issued an assist in a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven, his maiden Champions League appearance.On October 28, 2023, Saka made his Arsenal debut as captain in a 5-0 home win over Sheffield United.On February 11, 2024, Saka scored twice in a 6-0 away win at West Ham United, scoring 50 goals for Arsenal.
National team career
Saka joined the England U16-U21 national team.On September 4, 2020, Saka made his debut for the England U21 national team in a 6-0 away win over Kosovo in a qualifier for the UEFA European U21 Championship 2021.On October 1, Saka made his England adult national team debut, making his debut in a 3-0 win over Wales. Saka was named in the 26-man Euro 2020 squad. Saka scored his first national team goal in a June 2 friendly against Austria. Saka made his Euro 2020 debut in the third group stage match against the Czech Republic and was named Man of the Match. Saka came on for Trippier in the July 11 final against Italy. After extra time, Saka took the team's fifth penalty in the ensuing penalty shootout, his first with the adult team. The penalty was saved by Donnarumma and England lost the title. After the match, Saka was verbally abused by extreme England fans.On 23 September 2022, Saka was named the England Men's Footballer of the Year for the 2021/22 season, becoming the first Arsenal player to receive the honor. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Saka scored twice in the 6-2 win over Iran in the first leg and once in England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16. On June 19, 2023, he scored his first career hat-trick in a 7-0 home win over North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.Saka was named England Men's Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive season on September 5, 2023, scoring seven goals in 10 international matches during the 2022-23 season.
