Soccer
Why silky Saka can unlock Atletico and spearhead Arsenal to Champions League final
It is perfectly poised for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid as they head into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates, and it is likely to come down to fine margins.
The Gunners and Los Colchoneros could not be separated in Spain, with Julian Alvarez's penalty cancelling out Viktor Gyokeres' earlier spot kick in the 1-1 draw in what was a predictably cagey affair.
While Mikel Arteta was frustrated by the decision to overturn an Arsenal penalty after Eberechi Eze was brought down in the box, he would have been pleased with his side's performance and result.
One key ingredient that was missing from Arteta's starting lineup was Bukayo Saka, but the Gunners' captain is now primed to lead his side to the final in Budapest.
Bukayo Saka finds form against Fulham
Saka would be the first to admit that this season has not been his best, but his performance against Fulham was a timely reminder of what Arsenal have been missing this season.
In his absence, Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli have done their utmost to deliver from wide areas, but they have failed to hit the heights that the Englishman has so often reached.
Against Marco Silva's side, the 24-year-old produced a goal and an assist in 45 minutes before being taken off at half-time by his manager to preserve him for Tuesday night.
The winger's ability to beat a man and deliver dangerously into the box has been sorely missed, while his inspiring display allowed Gyokeres to flourish in his best Gunners showing to date.
How Saka can exploit Atletico Madrid
We have become accustomed to watching Atleti's defensive masterclasses in the Champions League, but Diego Simeone has favoured a much more attacking approach this time round.
While this has certainly been more pleasing on the eye, it has the potential to expose them on away soil, especially with Saka back fully fit and firing.
The Spanish side's away form has been far inferior in Europe as they have lost half of their matches away from the Vicente Calderon, conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game.
Matteo Ruggeri is expected to line up at left-back for the away outfit as he has done in all of Atletico's previous knockout matches, and his statistics suggest that Saka could have plenty of joy on the right flank.
No left-back has been dribbled past more than Ruggeri in the Champions League this campaign (28), while Saka ranks in the top 9% of players in his position for successful crosses.
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Why Arsenal can expel last season's semi-final demons
Last season, the Gunners came up short against one of the greatest teams in Champions League history as PSG edged out the North Londoners before tearing apart Inter in the final.
To Arsenal's credit, they remained in the contest for the majority of the tie, and if they had possessed a natural finisher in Paris, then they could have gone ahead by several goals in the second leg.
This time round, they not only have an in-form number nine in Gyokeres, but they have the best man to provide to him in Saka, and if they can combine, then Simeone's men will be in trouble.
So far this season, the Gunners have shown to a certain extent that they are more mentally solid, and if they have learned from the heartbreak of last year, then they should be able to get over the line.
Make no mistake, Atletico are not PSG, and with Arsenal at home, they are expected to progress, but could it be their star boy to unlock the Spaniards and progress to only their second Champions League final?
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