Bukayo Saka pulled on the captain’s armband for Arsenal for the first time on Saturday, before setting up the equaliser against Chelsea.

Despite making 189 appearances for Arsenal before Saturday’s game against Chelsea, Bukayo Saka had never worn the captain’s armband for the Gunners’ first team.

The winger is obviously one of the younger members of the squad, so it’s no real surprise he hasn’t been handed that responsibility on a regular basis.

But Saka got his first opportunity as Arsenal captain at the weekend, and he didn’t disappoint.

With Arsenal 2-1 down in the 78th minute, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard was replaced by Kai Havertz to try and turn the game around.

Odegaard’s departure from the contest meant the armband had to go elsewhere, and Saka was handed the responsibility.

Just six minutes later, the Arsenal academy graduate set up an equalising goal.

Lifting a tantalising ball to the far post, Saka found the right foot of Leandro Trossard, who turned home for 2-2.

Instant impact ✨ pic.twitter.com/BuUMMWTaVO

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 21, 2023

It’s unlikely Saka will take the armband on a regular basis, with a number of other players in the squad probably better placed to receive it when Odegaard isn’t available – which is an uncommon occurrence in itself.

But Saka has never shied away from responsibility, and Saturday’s game was just the latest example of that.