Bukayo Saka set a new milestone for Arsenal when they played out a 2-2 draw with Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The 21-year-old Anglo-Nigerian has been ever-present for the Gunners and a vital cog in manager Mikel Arteta’s setup. He made his 83rd consecutive league appearance which stretches back to May 2021. He has now become to outright Arsenal player with most consecutive Premier League appearances, overtaking Paul Merson’s tally of 82 between 1995 and 1997.
83 – Bukayo Saka has appeared in each of @Arsenal's last 83 matches in the Premier League, now the outright longest run of any player for the club in the competition, going clear of Paul Merson (1995-1997). The first game in the run came against West Brom in May 2021. Relentless. pic.twitter.com/AB9dYmnrRZ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2023
Saka scored from the penalty spot against Fulham with 20 minutes left on the clock after Andreas Pereira had given the Cottagers the lead in the first minute of play. Anglo-Ghanian forward Eddie Nketiah made it 2-1 to Arsenal two minutes later but Fulham equalised three minutes from time via Joao Palhinha.
The result is Arsenal’s first time of dropping points this season after back-to-back victories against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.