Arteta backed Saka to keep taking the penalties and said the player enjoys the responsibility.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said that Bukayo Saka would remain on penalty duties despite missing a spot-kick against West Ham United on Sunday.
Saka had a good chance to put Arsenal 3-1 ahead but he missed out the goal. West Ham later equalised through Jarrod Bowen.
The draw in the previous game gave Man City a chance to leave Arsenal behind in the title race. But, Arteta backed Saka to keep taking the penalties and said the player enjoys the responsibility.
Ahead of their Southampton game tomorrow, the Spanish manager said (via Arsenal’s website): “He loves the responsibility, but as well, he puts a lot on his shoulders.
“If he had any doubt about how much people loved or respected him or admired him at the club, he had a very overwhelming reaction from everybody in the building and at the club.
“I think at the end of this, it can be something very positive that can give him a big lift because everyone reacted in an unbelievable way towards him because he deserves it because of the way he is.”
When asked whether the 21-year-old would continue to take penalties, Arteta said, “Yes. If he is on the pitch, we will throw him the ball and make sure he takes the next one.”
Arsenal will host the relegation-zoned side to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, looking for three points. They need all the points they can garner in this last lap of the title race.
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