3 hours ago
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Jamie Redknapp has hailed Bukayo Saka as 'irreplaceable' after Arsenal went top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Fulham.
The Sky Sports pundit praised Saka for leading by example during a hard-fought victory at Craven Cottage that sent Mikel Arteta's side back above Manchester City.
Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal midway through the second half, converting from close range after Gabriel flicked on Saka's corner. It was enough to secure Arsenal's sixth win of the season.
Redknapp reflected that Saka had taken charge when Arsenal struggled for rhythm, arguing that his influence went beyond his technical ability.
'Don't get me wrong, of course, they've got players who can play on that side but he is the man,' said Redknapp on Sky Sports. 'And that's what I'm talking about when I talk about being a leader today.
'He's not a Tony Adams as a captain but he took the game by the scruff of the neck today when the team was struggling and they didn't quite have that flow and he grew into the game.
Jamie Redknapp has hailed Bukayo Saka as 'irreplaceable' after Arsenal went top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Fulham
The Sky Sports pundit praised Saka for leading by example during a hard-fought victory at Craven Cottage
'As the game went on he just started to win his individual battle. He was fabulous today.'
Arsenal's first-half performance was laboured, with Fulham creating the better openings through Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson. The hosts looked dangerous from set pieces, forcing David Raya into two sharp saves before half-time.
Arteta's men improved after the interval, with substitutes adding energy before Trossard's breakthrough.
Referee Anthony Taylor briefly awarded Fulham a penalty for Kevin's challenge on Saka, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review. The result ensured Arsenal responded to Man City's earlier win, reclaiming top spot. Arteta's side have lost only once in their last 18 Premier League away matches.
Redknapp added that keeping Saka fit would be crucial if Arsenal are to sustain a title challenge.
'I feel that if they can keep him fit then that's going to be a massive key for them,' he said. 'Obviously, there are other [important] players; Saliba, Gabriel.
'But Saka just feels irreplaceable.'
