Bukayo Saka joins elite Arsenal club alongside Thierry Henry with role in Kai Havertz’s goal

Bukayo Saka has etched his name alongside Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, becoming only the second player in the club’s history to provide an assist in each of the first three games of a Premier League season, Soccernet.football reports.

This remarkable feat, last achieved by Henry during Arsenal’s title-winning 2004/05 campaign, was realised in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Brighton.

Saka’s contribution came late in the first half when he outjumped Lewis Dunk to meet a high ball, displaying sharp instinct to set up Kai Havertz.

The German forward capitalised on Saka’s brilliance, delicately chipping the onrushing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from 20 yards out.

Arsenal’s lead was short-lived, however, as Declan Rice was controversially sent off after receiving a second yellow card for delaying the restart by kicking the ball away. Brighton seized the opportunity, with Joao Pedro equalising soon after.

This assist marks the second time Saka and Havertz have combined for a goal this season, the first being Havertz’s header against Wolves.

Saka, who also scored in that match, then provided another assist for Thomas Partey’s goal against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Saka’s consistency, comparing him to the likes of Lionel Messi. “Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet, and he is still so young. He can get better,” said Arteta.

Despite Saka’s historic achievement, Stuart Pearce criticised Lewis Dunk’s defending on the goal, saying, “I don’t know what Dunk was doing. Just head the ball clear!”

Dunk later redeemed himself by setting up Yankuba Minteh, whose shot led to Pedro’s equalizer.