Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised his player Bucayo Saka’s determination to raise his level to the next level as the Gunners defend their Premier League title.
Saka suffered an Achilles tendon injury last season, which affected his involvement with England at the World Cup, limiting him to just three of the eight matches the team played.
The 25-year-old winger ended his summer break early to join the team’s training session and capped his pursuit with goals against Coventry and Aston Villa, the first time he has scored in back-to-back league games since November 2024.
Although Saka has not reached his peak in the 2025-26 season, the Gunners have won 7% more matches when he has been involved and his contribution is even more important after the club failed to sign a world-class striker during the transfer window.
Speaking of Saka’s passion, coach Arteta said in statements highlighted by ESPN: “I noticed it straight away.”
Arteta added: “The fact that he wanted to come back early was already a big sign, apart from how he prepared in the summer.”
He continued: “Things happen in your football career and then you need some motivation or sometimes a little push to get to another level.”
Arteta continued: “There are very good performances from Saka, which makes us believe that it will be the case.”
Saka will have the chance to continue his scoring streak against Chelsea on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium in a clash between the two London rivals who have won their opening matches.
Even at this early stage, the match is shaping up to be a crucial title clash and Arteta believes Chelsea will be a force to be reckoned with after the arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso, who can focus on the Premier League in the absence of the team in Europe.
Arteta continued: “I think they have all the ingredients to be at the top of the Premier League table.”
He added: “Knowing him (Alonso), knowing the history of the club, the quality of their squad and the schedule compared to other teams, it’s very likely to be the case.”
Arteta will be joined in this Premier League season by his fellow Spaniard Alonso and Liverpool manager Andon Iraola, as the trio have formed a friendship since playing together as eight-year-olds at a small club in San Sebastian.
Arteta believes their upbringing in the Basque Country has developed toughness and resilience in the trio.
The Spanish coach commented: “We have solidity and resilience. We’ve obviously addressed a lot of issues domestically as well, which has strengthened our strength and made us different, not better, but in a different sense.”
Arteta concluded: “We have used this upbringing and these values to be more prepared when we face difficult moments and challenges and to move forward to overcome them.”
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