Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal have what it takes to win the title this season but insists the focus, for now, is on building momentum rather than talking too much.
Despite a tough opening schedule and injuries to key players, the Gunners have navigated the first nine games with a maturity that suggests Mikel Arteta’s side have taken another step forward after three consecutive second-place finishes.
A big summer outlay on eight new signings has given the squad more depth than ever – something Saka hopes will prevent the late-season fatigue that has hurt them in the past.
Speaking to Sky Sports during a visit to his former primary school, the England international was asked if this season feels different for him and his teammates.
“When you’re an Arsenal player, there’s always talk, constant talk about where you’re finishing, how you’re performing. Sometimes, I feel like it’s even over-analysed.
“But this year, I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality. We’ve suffered already a lot of injuries, but the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the highest. That’s what it’s going to take for us to go all the way.
“I think that’s where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons. This season, I think we’ve got that and it’s making me really believe we can do it. In the past, those type of games, Newcastle away, we’ve never really got a good result. And this year, we did.
“But also, I think it’s a bit early to talk about our year and the title race – we’re still in October. I’ve been in the title race the last three years now, and we’ve come second in all of them. So, yeah, just the understanding from that and what I’ve learned is that now is not so important.
“It’s in April – that’s when you need to be there and that’s where you need to try and be first place. Now it’s about staying in and around it, building your momentum and then going on a run of performances, things like that. I feel like it’s still a bit early to talk about winning the title based off a few results that in the past haven’t gone our way.”
Reflecting on where Arsenal have fallen short before, he added:
“Injuries and fatigue towards the end of the season is where we dropped off a bit. I think this year with the depth, that shouldn’t be a problem for us.”
That depth is clear to see. With Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sidelined by knee problems, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze have stepped up impressively.
Gyokeres has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, and while his goal tally hasn’t yet matched his Sporting Lisbon form, Saka says the Swede is adapting quickly.
“I think Victor’s playing really, really well. He’s settled in well, into the group and into the team. I think as a team, of course, we’ve never… well, not never, but last season we didn’t play with a striker like him.
“We played with Kai, who’s a different player to him. So it’s about us trying to adapt to his game a bit and try and help him by creating a few more chances. But at the same time, I feel like he’s getting more and more settled into each game and he’s playing well.”
As for Eze, a player Saka already knew from England duty, he says the playmaker has slotted in seamlessly.
“He’s fitted in like a glove, I’d say. He’s happy, he’s playing and he’s playing very well as well, which is important. I’m happy to have him at Arsenal and having a player that wants to be here and loves the club and he’s going to give everything for this club and, like I said, that’s what you need.”
Earlier this month, Saka marked his 200th Arsenal appearance by reaching 100 goal involvements; a remarkable milestone for a player still only 24. Now a leader for both club and country, he remains driven by the pursuit of silverware. Reports suggest he’s close to signing a new long-term deal that could anchor his legacy at the Emirates.
“I’ve been here for so long, and I’ve gone from a boy to a man here. At the same time, I want to help win the biggest of trophies in my time at Arsenal. That’s the next steps, I’d say.
“We’ve had a lot of the group together for many years now and we’ve, of course, been through a lot of ups and downs together and now we just want to go to the next step.”
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You can watch the full Sky Sports interview here.
The post “It’s making me really believe” – Saka on Arsenal’s early season form appeared first on Arseblog News – the Arsenal news site.
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