Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Saka's barefoot sprint steals the show as Arsenal surge to the top

28 December 2025

Saka's barefoot sprint steals the show as Arsenal surge to the top
Saka's barefoot moment after gifting his boot to a fan.

Key moment: Saka's barefoot gesture after Arsenal's win over Brighton

Bukayo Saka handed his boot to a young fan after Arsenal's 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, a highlight from matchday 18 of the Premier League.

His assist for the opener came from Martin Ødegaard, sending Arsenal toward the top.

City had briefly led after a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, but Arsenal reclaimed first with the Brighton victory (42 points).

After the final whistle, a fan asked for Saka's shirt; he surprised him by gifting the boot and walked off barefoot.

Arsenal visit Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to face Aston Villa in round 19.

Punchline 1: Saka's boots may be the real MVP—miles of walking, zero arguing with gravity. Punchline 2: I watched till the end, and my sofa is now considering a career in midfield.

Author

Avatar

Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened after the match?

Saka handed his boot to a fan and walked off barefoot.

Who scored Arsenal's first goal?

Martin Ødegaard scored the opener.

What is Arsenal's next match?

They host Aston Villa at the Emirates in Round 19.