Wayne Rooney Hails Bukayo Saka as ‘Incredible’ After Arsenal Go Top of Premier League Table

Wayne Rooney hails Bukayo Saka as ‘incredible’ after Arsenal’s 2–0 win over West Ham sends Gunners top of the Premier League.

Arsenal have climbed to the top of the Premier League after a dominant 2–0 victory over West Ham, a result that coincided with Liverpool’s shock defeat at Chelsea. The win not only strengthens Arsenal’s title credentials but also earned glowing praise from Wayne Rooney, who hails Bukayo Saka as “incredible” and one of the league’s standout performers.

At the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a composed and clinical display. Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka secured all three points against a typically stubborn West Ham team.

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The result saw Arsenal move two points clear at the top, overtaking Liverpool and reigniting memories of their legendary 2003–04 Invincibles campaign.

Liverpool, meanwhile, fell 2–1 to Chelsea after a dramatic late winner from Estevão Willian, their third straight league defeat — a run that now leaves them chasing Arsenal in the standings.

Rooney’s Praise for Saka

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Wayne Rooney couldn’t hide his admiration for Saka, who celebrated his 200th Arsenal appearance with a goal and reached 100 Premier League goal involvements — becoming the seventh-youngest player in history to achieve that milestone.

“Bukayo Saka is such an important player for Arsenal and for England,” Rooney said. “Over the last three or four years he’s probably been Arsenal’s most important player. He’s had a few injuries which have affected his numbers, but he’s such an incredible player.”

Rooney’s comments echo the widespread recognition of Saka’s consistency, maturity, and influence in Arsenal’s attacking setup.

Arteta’s Tactical Brilliance

Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and control, particularly after a demanding run of fixtures that saw them play three matches in just seven days.

“It’s exceptional what he’s doing at his age,” Arteta said about Saka. “He finds ways to score goals and impact matches. He’s super consistent and willing to learn constantly.”

Arteta’s rotation strategy and Saka’s adaptability have proven crucial to Arsenal’s steady performances across domestic and European competitions. Meanwhile, their tactical discipline continues to set them apart from their rivals.

With Liverpool faltering and Manchester City yet to find their full rhythm, Arsenal’s current momentum could therefore prove decisive in the title race. As a result, bookmakers now place the Gunners as 10/11 favourites, ahead of Liverpool (5/2), Manchester City (9/2), and Chelsea (25/1).

As the international break approaches, Arsenal turn their focus to a London derby against Fulham. Should they maintain this form, Arteta’s men could finally end their 20-year wait for Premier League glory.

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