‘I saw him off his line!’ – Arsenal star Bukayo Saka insists he meant wonder goal against Chelsea

The youngster caught Edouard Mendy out with a looping effort (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka has rubbished suggestions his goal against Chelsea was a mishit and insists he spotted Edouard Mendy off his line and deliberately lobbed the stranded keeper.

The Gunners ended their long wait for a victory with a 3-1 win over their London rivals at the Emirates on Boxing Day, with Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Saka all getting on the scoresheet.

Arsenal took a two-goal lead in the first half, with Lacazette netting from the spot and Xhaka powering in a brilliant free-kick, before Saka effectively put the game to bed at the start of the second half.

Saka caught out Mendy with his looping effort (Picture: Getty Images)

The teenager picked up the ball on the edge of box, darting forward, and appeared to have a look up to see Gabriel Martinelli unmarked at the back post, though then proceeded to whip the ball into the far corner of the goal.

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Mendy was helpless as the ball sailed over his head, with commentator Gary Neville convinced it was a cross that went askew, but Saka was adamant he was aiming at goal and had seen Mendy out of position.

Asked by Sky Sports if he meant to score, Saka said: ‘ Of course man! He was off his line.’

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In another interview, Saka also insisted it was an attempt on goal, telling BBC Sport: ‘I saw him off his line so I thought I could chip him. [Really?] Yeah!’

‘We feel that we are a good team who have been unlucky with results and red cards but this is a big one for our confidence.

‘It’s been tricky, tough, but we have come out of it and we are trying our best.

‘We grew up with each other, the young players all want to play and have the passion for this club. We want to make the fans happy.’

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