Bukayo Saka was at the center of criticism last weekend when he missed a penalty that would put Arsenal 3-1 in the West Ham tie and potentially guarantee the three points. The Gunners ended up drawing the match 2-2 and dropping two vital points.
Some fans even wondered why Saka didn’t leave Gabriel Jesus to take the penalty since the Brazilian is currently full of confidence having scored four goals in the last three matches. However, there is a hierarchy to these things and Saka is the first-choice penalty take at Arsenal.
While talking to the media today, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stood with his player and insisted the 21-year-old England international will remain the first-choice taker going forward and can take positives from Sunday’s experience.
“That’s the way he is. He loves the responsibility but as well he puts a lot on his shoulders. If he had any doubt about how much people loved or respected him or admired him at the club, he had a very overwhelming reaction from everybody in the building and at the club,” Arteta told journalists, mentioning the support Saka received after the penalty miss.
He added: “I think at the end of this, it can be something very positive that can give him a big lift because everyone reacted in an unbelievable way towards him because he deserves it because of the way he is.”
When asked if Saka will take go on to take Arsenal’s penalties whenever the opportunity arises, Arteta replied, “Yes. If he is on the pitch, we will throw him the ball and make sure he takes the next one.”
“Experiences help obviously, and what he went through in a way was tough, but in a different way, it was beautiful and a great experience for him. I think that helped him – not only him, but the people around him, to understand what the reaction has to be and the support and protection that he needs,” Arteta added.
Saka penalty record
Since missing a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Saka has scored four penalties out of the five he’s taken in the Premier League and all were under immense pressure against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
