Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka's Euro 2020 penalty miss was 'great for his career'
- Planet Sport writer
- 6 March 2022
Arsenal's 20-year-old star added a goal and assist to his tally on Sunday afternoon, during the Gunners' 3-2 win over Watford.
Bukayo Saka set up Martin Odegaard for Arsenal's opener after just five minutes, and then added a goal of his own after half an hour.
With eight goals and five assists in the Premier League, Saka has been involved in more goals than any other Arsenal player this season.
He's quickly become a crucial player to Mikel Arteta's system, and his superb season has come just months after his heartbreaking Euro2020 penalty miss in the final vs Italy.
Just Bukayo things... 🥰#WATARS pic.twitter.com/b9IZhL96CV
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 6, 2022
Saka was then subjected to racial abuse on social media, alongside England teammates Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, resulting in many in the sporting world offering their support for England's young star.
Following the final whistle at Vicarage Road, Mikel Arteta suggested that Saka's Euro2020 experience has helped him grow as a player.
"I think Bukayo had an experience in the summer that not a lot of players would ever have and I think it was great for his career because the football world showed how much they like him and how much they respect him," Arteta said.
"I think that was a big boost for him to realise in difficult moments that people are going to give him support, and the club did exactly the same as his team-mates.
"Then it's about giving him that space. What he is already doing is phenomenal and he needs that room. Don't read too much, do what you do.
"Football is his priority in life and you can see that every day in training and he needs to continue to behave and live the way that he is doing."
Laca ➡️ Saka ➡️ Top bins 🎯 #WATARS pic.twitter.com/R0ogACZsxn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 6, 2022
Arteta then went as far to say that he believes Saka is better for the experience.
"I think so," Arteta added. "I think experiences like that mark your career. And what you learn from those difficult moments is much more probably than if you had scored that goal."
Arsenal's win lifted them into the top four of the Premier League, and with three games in hand on fifth-placed Manchester United, the Gunners are in a strong position to qualify for next season's Champions League.
They continue their battle for fourth next Sunday, when they host Leicester City.
