Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit said that you could not count Bukayo Saka because of the award for the Ballon d’Or award.

The Gunners recorded a 3-0 historic victory against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, giving them a big advantage to enter their Champions League quarter-finals.

Declan Rice stole the headlines during the match with two extraordinary free kick goals to make Arsenal superior and send Emirates into the appointment, he has received praise from sports stars such as Lando Norris, Frank Lampard and Ian Poulter.

However, Saka played her role in the game, winning the two free kicks before Rice scored in what was her first beginning for Arsenal since mid -December when she suffered a hamstring injury.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes that his appearance is enough to win Ballon d’Or if the Gunners succeed in the Champions League.

Petit told William Hill: “It is very rare to see someone back from injury and consistently perform at a high level, as he did on Tuesday night.

“His contribution in terms of goals and assists is elite. Just look at his appearance against Madrid-he is very important for Arsenal. One-on-one, on the side, he is a nightmare to be maintained. If Madrid moves for him, I’m sure their fans will be more than happy.”

Petit believes that without this year’s World Cup or Euro, Ballon d’Or must be given based on the Champions League award.

“Ballon d’Or racing is very tight this year.” He said, “Without the World Cup or Euro, a strong spotlight in the Champions League. It puts more weight on the performance of players who are still in the competition. At this point, it can be something simple like: Anyone who lifts the Champions League trophy might lift the Ballon d’Or.

“After Arsenal’s first leg victory over Real Madrid, it is difficult to ignore the impact that can occur on the chances of Kylian Mbappé. If he was eliminated earlier, it deviates the case.

“And on the other hand, if Arsenal go far away, Bukayo Saka is really worthy of discussion, but it might be difficult for him this season because he was injured for four months. But at the level he played now, you can’t count it.”

Who is a favorite for the balloon d’Or?

Apart from Saka’s impressive performance last night, she is still not one of the prominent favorites to win the award at the end of the year.

According to Oddschecker, Saka is a longshot on 200/1. It is said that Barcelona striker Raphinha is now a favorite to win with Odds 7/4.

The second favorite is Real Madrid Star Mbappe on 4/1 in front of Ousmane Dembele from PSG on 6/1 and Liverpool Mo Salah, who on 8/1 was the highest Premier League player on the list.

Click here to see Arsenal’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season with an individual player profile for each member of the troops.