Bukayo Saka took his goal tally for the season to 17 as Arsenal beat Brighton 3-0 at the Amex to return to the top of the table.
The England winger put the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot on 33 minutes before second half strikes by Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard secured the points.
After the game, Saka spoke to Sky Sports. Here’s what he had to say…
On the mood in the changing room…
Yeah, inside we’re all buzzing. The win takes us back on top. So we’re happy to come here [and win] after playing three days ago as well. I’m really happy for all the boys who put in another top performance. We’re building momentum.
On whether it was touch and go he’d play…
Yeah, I was struggling, but as long as I have two legs, I’m going to give everything and I just want to be on the pitch. So I’m happy to be out there today.
On it being tough in the first half…
Yeah, at times. Brighton are really good, especially at home. Their biggest strength is playing out from the back and sometimes they get out and you have to sprint back. But I thought we defended really well, like we have been this season.
On what he’s thinking when he takes a penalty…
I have my routine and I always know normally where I’m going since yesterday. So for me, just put the ball on the spot, do my usual routine, take a breath, relax and execute and I think it’s been a success for me obviously.
On whether he practises penalties…
I practice every day before the match, just basically once or twice a week really. I practiced that yesterday and that’s exactly how it went yesterday, so practice makes perfect, I guess.
On the mental side of taking penalties…
Yeah, I think penalties is a lot mental. Obviously, I’ve learnt my lesson from the spot. I think since then I’ve just been trying to work hard. Like I said, I always put in a lot of work to perfect my penalties and I’m happy that recently I’ve been scoring them.
On the difference between this season and last season…
It’s not great to think about it, but it was great in terms of where we learnt our lesson. Games like this we need to put to bed. I feel that in these last few games we’re defending so well, [keeping] clean sheets. Last season we weren’t [doing that] so well [and] conceding late goals and then we have to defend and then the fans are on top of us. I feel this year we feel more comfortable. I feel the team is better and I feel like we’re ready for each game to win.
On the defensive mentality being key…
From the keeper to the striker, you saw Kai today, how hard he’s working, all the wingers as well, you know. If we keep the clean sheet, the quality we have, normally we’re going to score. So that’s the mentality we have.
On how Arsenal will now handle juggling Champions League matches…
We know how we’re going to handle it. There’s only one way, you know. We put 11 players on the pitch who are ready to go full gas from 0 to 90 and we go to win. I think that’s the mentality we have to have and we’re all excited for Tuesday already.
On whether Arsenal fans should be getting excited…
I mean, of course they should. We’re in a great position, so we just need to continue.
He’s not yet back to his best but he’s getting there. What a player to have fit and firing for the next 9-12 matches.
Now I’m just praying we can release the hand brake against Bayern. Treat the tie with respect etc etc – yes of course. But I say we go hard from the start when their confidence is rocking, test them to the limit, try to score early or at least rattle them.
Yep, we definitely have what it takes this time, let’s send them back to Munich with their bratwursts between their legs
We are winning 0 3 and they are celebrating a tackle at 92nd minute like a goal. This team is playing like champions.
Saka is the Man not Becky Lynch.😀