Bukayo Saka tipped by Rio Ferdinand to become Arsenal legend after stunning strike - 'This kid is the truth'

Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after the England international’s stunning goal doubled Arsenal’s lead in their opening Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest.

Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes due to an electronic ticketing issue at the Emirates that left thousands stuck outside the ground at the scheduled start time, but it was worth the wait for Gunners fans.

A moment of magic from Gabriel Martinelli set up Eddie Nketiah for the opener in the 25th minute, before Saka unleashed an early goal-of-the-season contender.

The 21-year-old picked up the ball on the right and cut inside before fizzing a 25-yard screamer into the top corner to double The Gunners’ advantage and send the Emirates into a frenzy.

Understandably, the TNT Sports pundits waxed lyrical about the England midfielder.

“The way he opens up, he hits it with the inside of his foot and his whole body just whips it round and it hits the net with violence,” Cole said.

“This kid is the first name on the England sheet, he’s an unbelievable player.”

Ferdinand then tipped Saka to etch his name into Arsenal folklore and become a legend of the club, adding: “This kid is the real deal.

"He’s telling people that last season was no fluke, that I’m here to stay, and I’m going to be putting my name up alongside the greatest of this football club.

“This kid is the truth.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media