Senior sports journalist Toby Bryant reports that Arsenal secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening, moving past recent dropped points against Wolves to extend their lead at the Premier League summit to five points. This advantage was reinforced after Manchester City's triumph over Newcastle United the previous day.
Arsenal's Dominant Display Against Spurs
The Gunners delivered a commanding performance, with Viktor Gyokeres shining brightly by netting a brace against their North London rivals. Eberechi Eze continued his success in derby matches, adding two more goals to Arsenal's tally. However, the celebratory atmosphere was tempered by a concerning moment involving star winger Bukayo Saka.
Saka's Late Injury Scare
In the 90th minute, Saka went down following a collision with Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons, who inadvertently landed on the Arsenal player's ankle. The England international required immediate medical attention on the pitch, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to substitute him with Noni Madueke as a precautionary measure.
Arsenal supporters now anxiously await updates on Saka's condition, particularly with crucial fixtures approaching. The Gunners are scheduled to host Chelsea at Emirates Stadium this coming Sunday, followed by a challenging midweek away match against Brighton as the Premier League schedule intensifies.
Gary Neville's Professional Assessment
Providing commentary during the match, former Premier League defender Gary Neville offered his expert analysis of the incident. Neville observed that Saka appeared to have moved his foot quickly enough during the collision to potentially avoid serious damage.
"It's a sore one," Neville commented. "Simons lands on him, but does he get the ankle away in time? He seems to get it away. It doesn't get locked in there. He's been really good, Saka."
This assessment, combined with footage showing Saka walking on the pitch after full-time, provides some reassurance that the injury may not be severe. The timing is particularly sensitive as Saka recently signed a contract extension with Arsenal, committing his future to the club until 2031 with expectations of becoming their highest earner at approximately £300,000 per week.
Fixture Pressure and Recovery Timeline
As Arsenal navigate this critical period in their season, Saka's availability becomes increasingly important. The coming days will reveal whether the ankle concern requires significant recovery time or if the winger can return promptly to maintain Arsenal's momentum in the title race.
