Bukayo Saka marked his two hundredth Premier League look in fashion, scoring in opposition to West Ham and revealing that Thierry Henry had despatched him a private message earlier than kick-off to remind him what was at stake.
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“Thierry messaged me this morning to remind we misplaced the final two video games to West Ham at dwelling,” Saka informed after the 2-0 win. “He’s all the time pushing me. I’m actually glad to have my identify together with his information.”
The 24-year-old captained the facet after within the first half, changing a penalty to seal the win and grow to be the second Arsenal participant, behind Henry, to attain on their two hundredth look.
The aim additionally took him to 100 Premier League aim involvements, making him the seventh youngest participant in league historical past to succeed in that milestone.
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“There’s so much to have fun, an attractive win, one other aim and 200 [Premier League] appearances as properly,” Saka . “So, glad days. I’m very proud, I don’t take these moments as a right, particularly the previous couple of months once I’ve needed to miss video games and watch from the stands as I’ve been injured.
“I’m going to get pleasure from it tonight and are available again after the break able to go once more. I simply need to give my finest, give my finest for my teammates and try to push this membership to win.”
Having performed the total 90 minutes for under the second time this season, late on however was delighted to come back via unscathed after a irritating run of hamstring issues. “I’m feeling good that I’ve received the 90 minutes out of the best way now,” he mentioned.
“In direction of the top, I’m a bit drained if I’m trustworthy, however that’s regular. However, yeah, I’m glad to get the 90 minutes in my legs and get a win and go away to England, as a result of I’ve needed to miss a whole lot of video games for the nationwide workforce too. So, I’m glad to be again there.”
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After the sport, Mikel Arteta praised Saka’s consistency and affect, highlighting his maturity and impression at such a younger age. “It’s distinctive what he’s doing at his age,” Arteta mentioned.
“The impression he has on these matches, it’s very tough to do. I’m very glad for him. He’s tremendous constant and prepared to be taught always. He finds methods to seek out targets. He’ll develop and grow to be extra mature. Hopefully he’ll hold impacting the workforce.”
Saka has now scored 55 targets and supplied 45 assists in his 200 Premier League appearances, putting him alongside Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, and Cesc Fàbregas among the many membership’s prime creators within the trendy period.
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He’s the 18th Arsenal participant to succeed in 200 Premier League matches, the 79th within the membership’s historical past, and solely the second Gunner within the Premier League period to take action earlier than the age of 25.
Liverpool’s defeat at Chelsea later that night confirmed Arsenal’s place on the prime of the desk heading into the worldwide break, giving Saka each cause to have fun a milestone weekend each personally and collectively.