Mikel Arteta verified that Bukayo Saka will persist in taking penalty kicks for Arsenal, even though he failed to score during a recent match against West Ham.
Missed Penalty in a Crucial Match
The English player was unsuccessful in scoring from 12 yards during Sunday’s match, leading to Arsenal losing two vital points in the title race. They were ultimately tied 2-2 with West Ham at the London Stadium. This marked the first time the player missed a penalty kick since the Euro 2020 final. Following the miss, he received support from former Arsenal stars like Ian Wright after apologizing to fans on social media.
Arteta’s Support for Saka
Arsenal’s manager, Arteta, remains supportive of Saka. During Thursday’s press conference, he confirmed that the forward would continue taking penalties. He even joked that he would personally ensure Saka takes the next one if needed. Arteta also praised Saka and commended the response from both his teammates and fans after the missed penalty. He emphasized that Saka is well-loved, respected, and admired at the club. Arteta believes the overwhelming support from everyone can ultimately have a positive impact on Saka.
Bukayo Saka’s Impressive Season
Saka has had an outstanding season with Arsenal, boasting 13 goals and 10 assists. Earlier this season, he successfully scored two penalties against Liverpool and Manchester City. He hopes to replicate that success in their upcoming match against Southampton on Friday night.
Early Beginnings at Arsenal Academy
Bukayo Saka’s journey began at the Arsenal Academy, where he showcased his immense talent and potential from a young age. Born on September 5, 2001, in London, Saka joined the Arsenal youth setup at the age of seven. Over the years, he honed his skills and climbed through the ranks, eventually making a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in English football.
Professional Debut and Breakthrough Season
Bukayo Saka made his professional debut for Arsenal on November 29, 2018, in a Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava. He was only 17 years old at the time. His Premier League debut followed a few months later, on January 1, 2019, against Fulham. During the 2019-2020 season, Saka’s breakthrough came as he made 38 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists. His versatility allowed him to excel in various positions, such as left-back, left-wing, and attacking midfield.
International Recognition and Euro 2020
Saka’s impressive performances for Arsenal did not go unnoticed, and he earned his first senior call-up to the England national team in October 2020. He made his debut against Wales, and his first international goal came in a World Cup qualifier against Austria in June 2021. Saka was named to England’s squad for the Euro 2020 tournament, where he played a crucial role in their journey to the final. Despite missing the decisive penalty in the shootout against Italy, his overall contribution to the team was widely praised.
2020-2021 Season: A Star in the Making
The 2020-2021 season further solidified Saka’s status as one of English football’s brightest prospects. He made a total of 46 appearances for Arsenal, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists. His performances earned him the Arsenal Player of the Season award, and he was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Saka’s excellent form continued into the 2021-2022 season, where he became an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team.
The Journey Thus Far
Bukayo Saka’s meteoric rise to prominence is a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work, and determination. From his humble beginnings at the Arsenal Academy to representing England on the international stage, Saka proved time and time again that he was a force to be reckoned with. His performances were instrumental in helping both Arsenal and the England national team achieve success, and he quickly became a fan favorite. While the future holds many more challenges for this young star, there is no doubt that his past performances have already earned him a place in the hearts of football fans around the world.