A year ago
Bukayo Saka has Mikel Arteta's complete support despite missing a penalty shot at West Ham last week.
Bukayo Saka will take Arsenal's subsequent penalty shot, according to Mikel Arteta, despite the England international's miss from 12 yards in last weekend's 2-2 draw with West Ham United.
The title-chasing Gunners lost a 2-0 lead as a result of Saka's miss at the London Stadium. Saka had converted both of his earlier this season's penalty kicks.
The Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma famously denied the 21-year-old on his first effort from 12 yards in the Euro 2020 final 21 months prior.
Despite this, Arteta was glowing in his support for Saka, who he believes will be able to capitalize on the setback when the title race restarts on Friday against Southampton.
During his pre-game press conference, the Spaniard added, "He loves responsibility, but he puts a lot on his shoulders as well."
"Once more, if he had any doubts about how much the club's members love, respect, and admire him, I believe he had a really overwhelming response from everyone in the structure and the club.
"At the end of the day, I think it can be something very great that may really raise him up because everyone treated him in an extraordinary way. Because of who he is, he deserves it.
Saka would step to the site once more, Arteta was asked, and he answered, "Yes. If not, I'll walk out onto the field, pass the ball to him, and make sure he makes the next one.
At the top of the Premier League, Arsenal is four points clear of Manchester City, who has a game remaining. Saka has been crucial to his team's success this year.
Only Gabriel Martinelli (14) scored more goals for the Arsenal, and Kevin De Bruyne (15) has the most assists in the English top division. The winger has been directly involved in 22 goals (scored 12, assisted 10).
Total Comments: 0