Saka and Martinelli reach Ronaldo and Rooney milestone
The Arsenal forwards are the first under-21 duo to reach 20 goal appearances apiece since the United pairing in 2006/07.
Both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were on the scoresheet last Friday in Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton. The dynamic duo have been at the heart of the Gunners’ title charge this season and have reached an impressive milestone with six Premier League matches still to play.
The Arsenal duo each have at least 20 goal contributions this campaign, the first under-21 pair to reach that figure in more than 15 years.
The last players to manage that feat were Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the 2006/07 campaign.
So far this season Saka has scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists in the 32 Premier League games he has played. On the other wing Martinelli has contributed 15 goals and 5 assists in 32 appearances. Saka and Martinelli have contributed 24 and 20 goal involvements respectively, highlighting their reputation as one of the most feared attacking threats in Europe.
Can they surpass Ronaldo and Rooney?
The Arsenal duo have reached this impressive milestone with six games remaining. Fitness permitting, they are expected to feature heavily in every game as the Gunners chase the Premier League title.
With six games to go Saka and Martinelli have scored 28 goals and made 16 assists. In 2006/07 Ronaldo and Rooney finished the season with a combined 31 goals and 19 assists.
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Saka and Martinelli are six goal involvements short of Ronaldo and Rooney’s record, but that will not be their top priority for the remainder of the season.
For both Ronaldo and Rooney the 2006/07 brought the first league title of their illustrious careers. With two of the most talented young players in world football Manchester United then retained the Premier League the following season and lifted the Champions League with a win over Chelsea.
This season Arsenal have improved beyond all expectations and Saka and Martinelli have been part of an unlikely title charge. Given their age the Arsenal duo can help Mikel Arteta’s side to keep improving beyond this season and could be a key part of a successful period in the club’s history.
First, however, is a crucial title-deciding clash with Manchester City on Wednesday that you will not want to miss...