Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has expressed sympathy for Bukayo Saka after the Nigerian-descended forward missed a crucial late chance in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Saka had given the Gunners a lifeline in the 76th minute, pulling one back after goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi had put the French side in control.
Just four minutes later, the 22-year-old found himself with a golden opportunity to level the score, but he sent his effort high over the bar after connecting with a Riccardo Calafiori cross.
Reflecting on the missed chance on TNT, Keown said, “It was painful and it will hurt Saka.
“He won’t be sleeping for two or three nights, but he can be proud of his performance tonight.
“(Nuno) Mendes, we didn’t see much of him in an attacking sense because Saka was on the pitch.”
Rangers legend Ally McCoist echoed Keown’s sentiments, adding, “I’d love to have seen the last 10 minutes if Saka scored that goal. He should, but he just leant back. He got over it.
“It’s a tap in. It’s hard to be critical, but he’s got to be sticking that in the back of the net, and then we’re in for a really entertaining 10 minutes.”
Despite the disappointment, Saka has been a key figure for Arsenal this season, contributing significantly to their deep run in the Champions League despite injury problems.
