By Rosemary Ugiomoh
Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka’s presence and confidence can push Arsenal over the line, with just three games left in their push for a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Arsenal struggled during Saka’s five-game absence with an Achilles injury, winning only once. Since his return, the momentum has shifted.
He set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener and then scored himself in a 3-0 win over Fulham last weekend. Days later, Saka netted the decisive goal as Arsenal edged Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
The 24-year-old, who made his Gunners debut seven years ago, now has a chance to help seal the league with home games against Burnley and an away trip to Crystal Palace on the final day.
When asked about Saka’s importance, Arteta didn’t hold back:
“His role has grown around the club, the team, and on the pitch against opponents. You can feel it. He has presence, he has an aura. There’s something special there. He’s a player who can change a game in an instant, and that fear he creates in opponents matters.”
Arteta admitted he wanted Saka available more in recent weeks, but saw a silver lining: “I told him, if that’s how it is, let’s use it. You’ll come back fresh, motivated, in a different emotional state. You can really impact the team now.”
“He’s someone I’ve felt lucky to lean on from day one. You know he’ll respond. His heart’s in the right place, and everything he does comes from solid values and principles. It’s been a joy — both as a person and for what he’s given us on the pitch. What he did against Atleti was remarkable.”
Saka isn’t the only catalyst. Declan Rice’s £100m arrival from West Ham in 2023 has helped turn Arsenal into genuine contenders. The 27-year-old will make his 59th appearance of the season for club and country when Arsenal face his former club this Sunday.
