Bukayo Saka emphatically converted a penalty in Arsenal’s win over West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners’ talisman returned from injury two weeks ago against Manchester City and has immediately found his best form again.
Producing an excellent display away at Newcastle, Saka then scored twice in two matches to ensure Arsenal head into the International break top of the Premier League and with maximum points from their opening two Champions League fixtures.
While Mikel Arteta’s team looked effective without their best player during his injury lay-off, the England international has still managed to remind everyone of just how important he is to Arsenal over the last week.
What Bukayo Saka said about taking the penalty against West Ham
When Malick Diouf tripped Jurrien Timber inside the West Ham box on Saturday afternoon, and referee John Brooks pointed to the spot, many assumed Viktor Gyokeres would step up to take the penalty.
Gyokeres converted from 12 yards against Leeds back in August and has an excellent record of dispatching from the spot throughout his career.
However, Saka instead grabbed the ball and slammed past Alphonso Areola to cement Arsenal’s lead and score his third goal of the campaign.
Speaking to the Mirror in the aftermath of the game in N5, the 24-year-old explained why he was the one to take the penalty.
“No, when I grabbed the ball, I wanted to take it, so that was my thought at that moment,” Saka said.
“We’ll keep our conversations in-house for now, I won’t say much more!”
Saka has now scored 13 of the 15 penalties he’s taken for Arsenal, and thus is starting to build a portfolio of impressive work from 12 yards, despite his infamous miss for England at Euro 2020.
Bukayo Saka’s words speak volumes about his standing in Arsenal’s squad
Arteta claimed earlier this season that Gyokeres is the best penalty taker in Arsenal’s squad.
Despite this, Saka made the decision to take the responsibility and grab the spot-kick away from the Swede on Saturday afternoon.
Not only does this speak volumes about the winger’s self-belief and confidence, but it’s also emblematic of his status at Arsenal right now.
A big-money striker signing who has scored countless penalties has arrived at the Emirates, yet Saka has still asserted his authority over this marquee addition to assume his role as penalty taker.
This is the Hale End graduate’s team; he’s the talisman, and he’ll continue to lead the Gunners by taking penalties and taking the burden of being the main man.
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