Bukayo Saka is all smiles as his winning strike against Nottingham Forest during the season’s opening weekend has been nominated for the Premier League’s Goal of the Month for August.
The decisive moment came in the 32nd minute when William Saliba wrestled back possession as Forest attempted to play their way out of a tight spot following the clearance of a corner.
Saliba executed a swift one-two with Thomas Partey before elegantly laying the ball into the path of Saka who shook off Orel Mangala to fire into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.
This exquisite goal has earned him a place in the distinguished list of contenders for the accolade which includes Jarrod Bowen (for West Ham against Bournemouth) and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak’s goal United against Aston Villa.
Others on the list are Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United) against Forest, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma against Wolves, Luis Diaz (for Liverpool) against Bournemouth, Raheem Sterling against Luton Town and Kevin Schade’s goal Brentford against Crystal Palace.
Bukayo Saka nominated for Ballon d’Or
Saka’s Goal of the Month nomination arrives hot on the heels of another prestigious accolade, as the 22-year-old England international secured his debut nomination for the coveted Ballon d’Or.
Saka’s impressive journey continued as he found himself in the illustrious company of his Arsenal teammate and captain, Martin Odegaard, within the 30-man shortlist unveiled by France Football on Thursday.
At 22 years old, Saka aims to become the first English player since Michael Owen in 2021 to clinch this prestigious award.
Notably, only two other Englishmen, Bobby Charlton in 1966 and Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979 have been honored with this distinction in the past.
While Saka has already proven his mettle with previous nominations for the Kopa Trophy, reserved for the most outstanding male player under 21 years of age, victory in this category has remained elusive.
In both 2021 and 2022, the award ultimately slipped through his grasp, claimed by Barcelona’s assembly line of prodigious talent, first by Pedri and then by Gavi.
