Not with the way the winger smashed home his 10th goal of the season to help Arsenal win 4-2 and go back top of the Premier League, but the manner in which he reacted to Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho upending him with a late tackle from behind.
Saka leapt to his feet and pushed the Brazilian, as players from both sides charged in to break them up.
The Arsenal player was booked, but he had sent a message: enough was enough, and he was not going to tolerate any more rough treatment.
Loved at both Arsenal and England for being one of the most kind and mild-mannered players, Saka showed on Saturday an edge to his game.
Those closest to him insist that side has always been there, and now his importance at Arsenal has grown, it is manifesting itself on the pitch.
Saka has become Arsenal’s talisman this season and it is why they are desperate to tie him down to a new contract. The 21-year-old’s deal expires at the end of next season and talks are ongoing. Arsenal remain optimistic an agreement can be found.
This story is from the February 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARCHER’S BACK FOR WORLD T20 DEFENCE
ACEMAN IN PROVISIONAL SQUAD AFTER LONG SPELL ON SIDELINES | DUCKETT, JORDAN, HARTLEY IN... BUT WOAKÉS AND AHMED MISS OUT
Clock ticking for Maddison to rediscover magic touch and secure place at Finals
TOTTENHAM'S north London derby defeat was another frustrating outing for James Maddison, who was withdrawn shortly after the hour-mark with his side trailing 3-0.
Martinelli must work out a new way or face bench role
Brazilian sparkled last term but now faces threat from Trossard
Nationwide boss sold £150,000 of Virgin Money shares before bid launch
NATIONWIDE Building Society chief executive Debbie Crosbie sold £150,000 worth of shares in Virgin Money before she launched a £2.9 billion takeover bid for the business in March.
Quinn shocks City with surprise HSBC departure
HSBC was thrown into turmoil today when its £10 million-a-year CEO suddenly revealed he would retire at the age of 62 in order to get “a better balance” in his life.
God knows I have my reservations, but despite them all, I'll vote for Sadiq
IT’S tough living in London these days. Knife crime is completely out of control, rents have skyrocketed, shoplifting has somehow been normalised, council tax is higher than ever and confidence in the Met is at a record low.
Western aid may be too late for brave Ukraine
THESE are desperate and difficult days in Ukraine as Russian forces seize more villages in what looks like the beginning of a major summer offensive.
Khan is out to scare you into voting for him...
London’s green candidate for mayor tells Ross Lydall the Tory campaign seems to have thrown in the towel
Visit Ljubljana for a city escape a little less ordinary
The Slovenian capital is stunning, and a short break should give you plenty of time to immerse yourself in its history, culture and great cuisine
PM warns of 'chilling effects' of - our cancel culture
RISHI SUNAK today warned that our democratic freedoms rely on tackling “the chilling effect of so-called cancel culture”. The Prime Minister was expected to say that “the shutting down people’s views” is “not what this country stands for”.
