Saka's barefoot sprint steals the show as Arsenal surge to the top
28 December 2025
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.
