Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will continue to take penalties after missing one in last week’s 2-2 Premier League draw with West Ham United.
The Gunners had a 2-0 first-half lead which was halved when Algeria winger Said Benrama scored from the spot. Arsenal had the chance to make it 3-1 in the second half but Saka played his penalty wide.
It proved to be a costly mistake as West Ham made it 2-2 through Jarrod Bowen to leave Arsenal just four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with the Citizens still having a game in hand.
Saka was the centre of attention for his penalty miss with some suggestions he should not take penalties at this crucial point of the season, drawing reference to his missed spot kick during the shootout at the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy which the Azzurri won.
He converted two penalties earlier this season against Liverpool and City and Arteta stated the 21-year-old Anglo-Nigerian will be the one to take the next penalty that will be awarded to the team.
“Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and throw him the ball to make sure he takes the next one,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s league clash with bottom-club Southampton on Friday night.
“He [Saka] loves responsibility but he puts a lot on his shoulders as well. Again, if he had any doubt about how much people love him, respect him and admire him at the club, I think he had a very overwhelming reaction from everyone in the building.”
Saka has had a brilliant season for Arsenal, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 30 league outings, making him the club’s leading player for goal contributions.
