Mikel Arteta Hails Saka For Turning Up “When It Matters”

By The Editor
on 5th October 2024

Saka influence hailed by Arteta…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Bukayo Saka’s match-winning display as he produced three goal contributions that saw us rescue all three points..

For the second weekend in succession, we made hard work of a home fixture against a newly promoted side despite dominating most of the encounter.

Southampton took the lead early in the second half through Cameron Archer after Raheem Sterling was robbed in midfield, though they weren’t ahead for long.

Kai Havertz continued his fine form in front of goal at the Emirates Stadium with a clean strike off the post – matching Robin Van Persie for consecutive goals (seven) at home.

Arteta then turned to his cavalry with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino coming on and the trio had an immediate impact.

Martinelli poked home Saka’s sensational cross before the latter made sure of all three points by getting on the scoresheet himself.

“The game was in a stage that needed something else and we had to change the energy on the pitch, and the crowd as well, and we certainly did it,” the boss told Arsenal Media after the game.

“I think [Bukayo] is really enjoying the role and the way he’s driving the team, the respect and admiration he’s got from his teammates.

“If you want to be one of the best players, you have to turn up when things are difficult and when it matters, and he’s doing that at the moment,” Arteta added.

Saka has taken on more of a creative burden in Martin Odegaard’s absence with just two goals to go alongside his seven assists in the Premier League this season.

I suspect the England international will want to get on the scoresheet more and given he’s more of a slow starter to a season, it’s quite scary the numbers he could potentially reach this campaign.