Sports

Arteta Decides On New Arsenal Penalty Taker After Saka’s Miss Against West Ham

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2023

Arteta Decides On New Arsenal Penalty Taker After Saka's Miss Against West Ham (© Gallo Images)

Following Bukayo Saka’s missed penalty during Arsenal‘s game against West Ham on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta has made a decision on who will take the reins as Arsenal’s penalty taker moving forward.

Saka had the opportunity to put Arsenal ahead by two goals in the match against West Ham, but unfortunately missed from the spot. As a result, West Ham were able to secure a draw and deal a blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title aspirations.

The young England international has since apologized to Arsenal fans and expressed his determination to make up for his error.

However, Arsenal legend David Seaman has warned Saka that his missed penalty may not be easily forgotten, especially if Arsenal fail to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.

With Saka’s recent struggles from the spot, Arteta has decided to take a new approach in the penalty-taking department. The decision on who will now take on this crucial role for the team has not yet been revealed, but it is expected that this change will be implemented in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.

As Arsenal continues to push for a spot in the top four, it is crucial that they have a reliable penalty taker who can help secure important points in their remaining fixtures. While Saka’s miss was undoubtedly a disappointment for the team and their fans, it is now up to the new penalty taker to step up and ensure that Arsenal’s title hopes remain alive.

Arteta, though, has decided that he will not remove Saka from penalty duties as he faced the media on Thursday ahead of Friday’s match against Southampton.

Asked if Saka will keep taking penalties for the club, Arteta said: ‘Yes! If not, I will go on the pitch and throw him the ball and make sure he takes the next one.’

Asked about the 21-year-old’s disappointment at missing the penalty at West Ham, Arteta added: ‘That’s the way he is.

‘He loves responsibility but as well, he puts a lot on his shoulders.

‘Again, if he had any doubt about how much people love him, respect him and admire him at the club, he had a very overwhelming reaction from everybody in the building and the club.

‘I think at the end, it can become something very positive that can give him a big lift because everybody reacted in an unbelievable way towards him because he deserves it, because of the way he is.’

Bukayo Saka’s impressive campaign with Arsenal continues to earn him plaudits, as the young talent has amassed 12 goals and 10 assists to date.

His commendable achievement also includes being the first Premier League player in the current season to reach double digits in both goals and assists, a feat that has put him in a league of his own.

Saka’s outstanding form has not gone unnoticed, as he is the first Arsenal player since Alexis Sanchez in 2016-17 to achieve this milestone, cementing his status as one of the most promising prospects in the Premier League.

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