Arsenal: Gary Neville hails Bukayo Saka as best 'defensive wide player' in the Premier League

Gary Neville has hailed Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as the best defensive winger in the Premier League.

The praise has continued for the Gunners following their 1-0 win over Tottenham in Sunday’s North London Derby after defender Gabriel Magalhaes headed in the only goal of the game.

Mikel Arteta’s side were missing key players in the form of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard but produced an excellent defensive display at the home of their greatest rivals.

Arteta was delighted with his side’s resolve, hailing for them for their willingness to do “the ugly things” to get a result over the line.

Arsenal have conceded only once so far this season, boasting the joint-best record alongside Liverpool. No team in the League conceded fewer than the Gunners last season, either (29).

While the strength of their back four has naturally been highlighted, Neville was keen to recognise the efforts of Saka, as well as fellow wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

“That was a very good preparation game for next Sunday [against Manchester City], because they’ve got to go and do the same again,” he told Sky Sports.

“I thought the defensive compactness, Saka went off towards the end [but] I don’t think there’s a better wide player in defensive terms in the League.

“Got to hand it to [Gabriel] Martinelli and to [Leandro] Trossard when they play now in that wide-left area, they get back in.

Neville added of the wingers: “Some of the doubling up that they did with Ben White and with [Jurrien] Timber was outstanding.”

Arsenal are hopeful Saka will be fit for a huge week in the club’s season despite coming off against Spurs.

Arteta’s side travel to Atalanta on Thursday as the Champions League gets back underway before a trip to Manchester City on Sunday.