Bukayo Saka became the youngest Arsenal player to score 50 Premier League goals when he returned from a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but the winger was disappointed to drop two points after being on the verge of a crucial win.

Saka, who was injured during England’s loss to Greece earlier this month, scored early to become the league’s seventh youngest player to reach 50 goals at 23 years and 52 days, eight days older than when England’s top scorer Harry Kane netted his 50th Premier League goal.

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler remains the youngest to reach the milestone at 20 years and 252 days, ahead of fellow strikers Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku, with Cristiano Ronaldo the fifth youngest.

“I hate to miss games, so I was buzzing to be back. I had this game in mind to come back for and I was feeling good out there, and I was happy to get an early goal,” Saka told Arsenal’s official website.

“We are disappointed. I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes and it cost us in the end. We believe we should have won it.”

Mikel Arteta also praised Saka’s consistency as one of the positives in the match that saw key players Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurien Timber leave the field with injuries.

“After a few weeks off, the way he played and competed was exceptional. I think we had some big, big individual performances in the team,” Arteta said.

Third-placed Arsenal, who lost all Bournemouth last weekend, now trail leaders Manchester City by five points. Arsenal continue their league campaign at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has achieved a significant milestone, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.

This was announced Monday evening in Paris, France by the Ballon d’Or organiser.

The Nigerian international, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, received his first nomination for the prestigious award.

The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Following impressive contributions for both club and country, Lookman has been recognised as one of the top football talents this year.

Lookman is also the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his historic and remarkable Europa League exploits with Atalanta and his Ballon d’Or nomination, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta, making him the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Last year, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen finished in eighth position in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Paris, The PUNCH reports.

Osimhen finished ahead of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski, and Mohamed Salah in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.

He became the first Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years, with former Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu the last Nigerian player to receive a nomination in 1999.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has clinched the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, solidifying his status as the world’s best Under-21 player.

The 16-year-old sensation was the frontrunner for the award, having made a significant impact for both club and country since his breakthrough season.

Lamine Yamal outperformed strong contenders, including Arda Güler, Kobbie Mainoo, Savinho, and his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi, to claim the top honor.

His victory also marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first player under the age of 18 to win the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best young talent in world football.

“It’s a pride to receive this trophy. I dedicate this prize to my mother, my grandmother, to the team, the coaches. It’s for those who supported me,” he said. “Visça el Barça y La capital 304.”

The 17-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024 in the summer and currently has Barcelona top of the Liga table after a superb start to the season.

Lamine Yamal follows in the footsteps of team-mates Gavi and Pedri by winning the award, with Barcelona players have lifted the Kopa Trophy three times in the last four years.