Bukayo Saka is fully confident that Arsenal can win the Premier League. The 23-year-old winger has come close a few times and feels that this could be the year it finally happens.
Embed from Getty Images
Arsenal, one of England's most storied football clubs, has been on the cusp of greatness in recent seasons, only to narrowly miss out on the ultimate prize.
The Gunners finished as runners-up in the Premier League in the last two campaigns, each time unable to topple Manchester City, the dominant force in English football over the past decade. City, with their immense depth and tactical superiority under Pep Guardiola, have set the bar incredibly high, making it all the more frustrating for Arsenal, who have been chasing that elusive league title for nearly two decades.
One player who has felt the weight of these close finishes is Bukayo Saka. At just 23 years old, Saka has already established himself as one of Arsenal's most important players and a key figure for the England national team. Despite his young age, Saka has experienced the highs and lows of football at the very highest level, including the disappointment of finishing second, both at the club and international levels.
Saka's history of near misses is not just confined to Arsenal’s recent Premier League campaigns. On the international stage, he has been part of England's golden generation that came agonizingly close to European glory. He was a crucial member of the England squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Championship in 2021, only to lose to Italy in a heartbreaking penalty shootout at Wembley. Saka, who stepped up to take a penalty in that final, saw his effort saved, adding a deeply personal sting to the defeat. Fast forward to 2024, and Saka was once again part of the England team that made it to the Euro final, only to suffer another gut-wrenching loss, this time to Spain. These experiences, while painful, have only served to harden Saka’s resolve.
Reflecting on these near misses, Saka candidly acknowledges that he’s no stranger to finishing as a runner-up. “I’ve finished second a lot, yes,” the winger admits, his tone laced with determination. But while these silver medals have left their mark, they have not diminished his hunger for success. “But I’m competitive and want to win this season. It’s possible,” he added, his belief in Arsenal’s current squad clear for all to see.
That belief isn’t just idle talk. Arsenal has shown, particularly in the early stages of this season, that they are ready to challenge for the Premier League title once again. Their performance in the Champions League, notably a commanding win over Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe’s most powerful teams, has reinforced the squad’s self-confidence. “We believe in ourselves and, on Tuesday night against Paris Saint-Germain, we also showed that we’re a top team,” Saka said, highlighting the importance of that victory. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent, a message to their domestic and European rivals that Arsenal means business this season.
Saka’s role in driving this belief within the squad cannot be understated. His leadership, despite his age, has been crucial in fostering a winning mentality. “I even told the guys that we need to make a statement when big clubs come to the Emirates Stadium,” Saka revealed, emphasizing the importance of turning their home ground into a fortress. The Emirates Stadium, a modern cathedral of football, has often been criticized in the past for lacking the intimidating atmosphere of other famous grounds like Anfield or Old Trafford. However, under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal has slowly been transforming it into a venue where opponents fear to tread.
For Saka, winning the Premier League this season would be more than just another trophy; it would be the culmination of years of hard work and personal growth. For Arsenal as a club, it would represent the end of a 21-year title drought. The last time the North London club lifted the Premier League trophy was in the 2003/04 season, a campaign forever etched in football history as the year of the ‘Invincibles.’ Under the stewardship of the legendary Arsène Wenger, Arsenal went the entire season unbeaten, an achievement that no team has replicated since. Back then, Saka was just two years old, too young to remember the glory days but now mature enough to lead Arsenal back to the top.
This season, Arsenal has looked like genuine contenders, currently sitting third in the Premier League standings. However, their position is deceptive—they are tied on points with Manchester City, only behind on goal difference. More importantly, they are just one point behind Liverpool, the current league leaders. With the season still in its early stages, the title race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with Arsenal, City, and Liverpool all jostling for supremacy.
The margin for error in this year’s title race is razor-thin, and every match will be critical in determining the final outcome. Arsenal’s ability to compete with the likes of City and Liverpool will depend not just on their performances in marquee matchups but also on their consistency against mid-table and lower-ranked sides. In recent years, Arsenal has often been guilty of dropping points in games they should have won comfortably, a habit they must break if they are to be serious title contenders.
Saka’s individual form will also be key to Arsenal’s title challenge. The winger has developed into one of the Premier League’s most electrifying talents, combining blistering pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and a keen eye for goal. His link-up play with fellow attackers like Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard has been a highlight of Arsenal’s attacking prowess this season. Moreover, Saka’s versatility allows him to switch between playing on the wing and taking up more central positions, giving Arteta a tactical flexibility that few other teams can boast.
But football, as Saka knows all too well, is a team sport, and individual brilliance alone won’t be enough to win the title. The cohesion and collective effort of the entire Arsenal squad will be crucial. Players like Declan Rice, a marquee signing over the summer, have added steel and composure to the midfield, while William Saliba’s development into a top-class center-back has solidified Arsenal’s defense. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also been instrumental, pulling off crucial saves in tight games, further boosting the team’s belief that they can compete with the best.
As the season progresses, Arsenal will need to maintain their momentum, particularly during the busy winter period, where the fixture schedule can take a toll on even the deepest squads. Injuries, fatigue, and the mental pressure of being in a title race will test the resolve of Arteta’s men. But with a player like Saka at the heart of the team’s ambitions, Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic. His journey from the heartbreak of past defeats to the verge of potential triumph mirrors Arsenal’s own narrative—a team that has been rebuilding, learning from its mistakes, and now looks ready to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of English football.
Should Arsenal go on to win the title, it would mark a turning point for both the club and Saka himself. For the young winger, it would be the first major domestic honor of his career, a reward for his perseverance and growth. For the club, it would signal the dawn of a new era, one where Arsenal is once again competing for the biggest prizes in football, just as they did under Wenger two decades ago. And for the fans, it would be a long-awaited moment of joy, a chance to celebrate a return to the glory days at the Emirates.
Updated: 10:57, 2 Oct 2024
