Bukayo Saka has jokingly blamed Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz for denying him what would have been a first senior hat-trick of his career.
The England international winger put in another match-winning performance for the Gunners during their Champions League clash with Monaco at Emirates Stadium.
Saka netted twice in that contest to put Mikel Arteta’s side on their way to victory.
He was presented with an opportunity late on to claim the match ball, with a shot fired goalwards in the 88th minute.
Monaco’s keeper may have had it covered, but said effort deflected off German forward Havertz and into the back of the net – wrapping up a 3-0 success.
On being denied a first treble, Saka – who still finished with three goal contributions on the night – told reporters afterwards:
“He [Havertz] got in the way of it, but don’t worry, it’s [a hat trick] coming. It’s on the way.”
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Saka’s performances have made him a key figure for club and country, with Arteta saying when asked if the 23-year-old is now in the “world-class” category:
“You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to put yourself in that position.
“We can compare what he’s done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional, you know, and that’s it and his aim is to improve.
“He has the players and environment to continue to do that and I’m sure he will.”
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Arsenal, who have fallen agonisingly short in Premier League title bids over the last couple of seasons, will be back in domestic action on Saturday when playing host to Everton – with Saka seemingly determined to register a hat-trick before the 2024-25 campaign is out.
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