Bukayo Saka asserts he was always taking Arsenal’s penalty against West Ham, despite Viktor Gyokeres previously being on duty, while backing the striker to end his goal drought.
Bukayo Saka has dismissed any suggestion of uncertainty over Arsenal’s penalty duties after scoring in Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates. The England international netted from the spot to seal victory and mark his 200th Premier League appearance with a goal.
When Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, some fans expected Viktor Gyokeres to step up, having taken a penalty in last month’s 5-0 win over Leeds. But Saka insisted: “No, when I grabbed the ball I wanted to take it, so that’s what my thoughts were in that moment.”
Pressed on whether he would remain first-choice, he added: “We’ll keep our conversations in the house for now, I won’t say much more!”
Saka also praised Gyokeres: “There’s no doubt he’s going to score goals… He’s a big part of the reason why we’re winning.”
The win extended Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run to four games, while Saka reached 100 Premier League goal contributions.