'Fresh and hungry' Saka as the key Arsenal player for Atletico Madrid showdown

Saka netted a goal and set up Viktor Gyokeres as Mikel Artetas team scored three times for the first time in 16 matches during Saturdays 3-0 victory against Fulham.

The trio of goals came before Arteta substituted Saka at the interval to safeguard the England forward, who has been dealing with an Achilles problem over recent months.

Arteta was mindful of Tuesdays home game against Atletico Madrid, where Arsenal aim to secure a place in only their second ever Champions League final.

The tie is balanced at 1-1 following a first leg in the Spanish capital that hinged on penalty calls.

Each team converted from the penalty spot, yet Arsenal felt they deserved another when Eberechi Eze was fouled in the penalty area.

Saka contributed to that incident, and his late entry as a replacement enabled Arsenal to gain momentum and end the opening match strongly.

The 24 year old recently signed a fresh four year deal, reportedly positioning him as the clubs top paid player.

Saka has found it tough to regain peak condition after a major hamstring issue sidelined him for three months in the previous campaign.

Arteta hopes the forward is revitalised in body and spirit to help Arsenal lift their first trophy in years.

Saka 'fresh and hungry'

Sakas swift footwork and precise cross allowed Gyokeres an easy finish into an unguarded goal, calming the Premier League frontrunners early in the Fulham encounter.

For the next goal, positions swapped as Saka collected the Swedes through ball and fired into the far corner for his 10th strike in a season hampered by injuries.

"He definitely influenced the outcome. He created two moments that sealed the match, and we are aware of his potential," Arteta commented.

"He has returned during the seasons crucial phase, and he is refreshed now.

"His mindset is sharp, his motivation is at its peak, and I believe he required a display like this to boost the squad, providing a strong foundation for Tuesday."

Robert Pires featured in Arsenals sole prior Champions League final appearance, losing 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006.

The French winger became a north London icon through his contributions to two Premier League triumphs under Arsene Wenger, and he feels Saka can motivate his colleagues profoundly.

"He has rediscovered his edge, his flair for dribbling and pushing forward," Pires shared with AFP.

"Players like him, who can change games single handedly, uplift the entire group.

"Most importantly, he inspires the rest to follow his lead or at least attempt it."

Arsenals solid backline, leaking just six goals across 13 Champions League fixtures, has propelled them near the finals edge.

Now, Saka, affectionately called "star-boy" by fans, must deliver the inventive flair to propel Arsenal to Budapest in the coming weeks.