Bukayo Saka failed to convert from the spot to put Arsenal 3-1 against West Ham United. The penalty miss cost Arsenal three points as the hammers would equalize in similar fashion to Liverpool a week prior.
It was the first time Saka had missed a spot kick since the Euro 2020 final. Bukayo received an outpouring of love from people up and down the country when he missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final – his first major international tournament – and has since scored four out of five attempts for Arsenal in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka will continue to be on penalty duties for Arsenal despite missing from the spot against West Ham. When asked whether the forward will still be on penalty duties in Thursday’s press conference, he replied:
Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and pass him the ball and make sure he takes the next one. He loves responsibility but he puts a lot on his shoulders as well. Again, if he had any doubt about how much people love him, respect him and admire him at the club I think he had a very overwhelming reaction from everyone in the building and the club. In the end I think it can be something very positive that can give him a big lift because everyone acted in an unbelievable way towards him because he deserves it because of the way he is.”
Arsenal now lead Man City by just four points atop the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.
Arsenal take on Southampton next Friday, after which they will prepare for their huge clash with City at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
