'Big smile on my face': Bukayo Saka says Arsenal have a truly 'unbelievable' talent he loves playing alongside

Arsenal made it two comprehensive wins in a row after the international break as they hammered Sporting CP 5-1 in their Champions League encounter in Lisbon.

The Gunners did not make the same mistake Manchester City did after Sporting started slowly against them, with Mikel Arteta’s charges quickly taking control of the game.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes got themselves on the scoresheet before the first half was over.

And though Sporting pulled one back through Goncalo Inacio early in the second half, Bukayo Saka’s penalty and Leandro Trossard’s late goal wrapped up an easy win for Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Saka delivered an emphatic verdict on Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, who has not long returned from injury.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says one Arsenal player is now ‘much more composed’ than before

Bukayo Saka hails ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal teammate Martin Odegaard

Saka, speaking to TNT Sports, described Odegaard as an “unbelievable player” whose return has given the England international a “big smile”.

The Arsenal forward also praised the chemistry between himself and Odegaard on the pitch and said he enjoys playing alongside the Norway skipper.

“He’s an unbelievable player,” said Saka. “Today, he returned and you can see the big smile on my face.

“There’s a chemistry we have, I enjoy playing with him. I’m happy he’s back and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”

How the media rated Saka and Odegaard

Football.london gave both Saka and Odegaard a rating of 9 out of 10 for their respective individual displays on the night.

They said Odegaard ‘knitted play together brilliantly on the edge of the box where Sporting gave him far too much time. Arsenal look so much more of an attacking threat with him in the side.’

Meanwhile, Saka ‘terrorised Araujo down the Sporting left. Another goal and another assist for the 23-year-old. His end product has been incredible this season.’

Likewise, the Evening Standard gave both players a 9 out of 10 rating.

Of Odegaard, they said: ‘Yet another majestic performance from the Norwegian, who has transformed Arsenal’s attack since returning from injury. Won the penalty for Arsenal’s fourth goal.

And of Saka, they wrote: ‘Made a great run and then slid the ball across to Havertz for Arsenal’s second goal. So dangerous all night and ruthlessly slotted his penalty.’

Other Arsenal players impressed on the night, with Jurrien Timber wowing Gunners fans with his brilliant display against Sporting.

And Rice was lauded by BBC Sport pundit Leon Osman for his superb corner that led to Gabriel’s goal.