Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka looked a better player than £72million summer signing Nicolas Pepe during t he Gunners' 3-0 Europa League win at Eintracht Frankfurt , according to Martin Keown.
The former Arsenal defender made the observation after Saka scored his first senior goal in the victory, while he also provided assists for Joe Willock and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the match, in which Pepe - who is yet to score for the Gunners since his summer arrival from Lille - came off the bench on the hour mark as a replacement for youngster Emile Smith Rowe.
"They toil away, trying to get young players in and they’ve found one in Saka," Keown told BT Sport when speaking about Arsenal's performance.
"You think of the way Pepe is playing at the minute, they paid £72million for him and this kid looked better than him tonight.
"By the way, [Joe] Willock as well, he’s got his reward, this has been a breakthrough moment for him. He got a little bit lucky, but that’s all 100% the academy, that first goal for Arsenal .
"When Saka gets the ball [for the second goal], it shows composure, he’s passing it into the goal, it’s a beautiful finish. To think he’s 18 years of age."
"I think this is the exuberance of young players. I think this is a breakthrough moment for Willock.
"He’s been a bit rushed, lacks a little bit of composure, but I love his energy and he gets his reward tonight to put Arsenal in front."
Saka himself spoke of his delight at his first senior goal.
"I'm so happy to score for Arsenal, it's a dream come true - I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid," he said.
"I just want to keep working hard to make sure I can feel this feeling again."
