Bukayo Saka opens up on feeling the pressure after Arsenal’s title collapse
Bukayo Saka has shed light on how he copes with pressure just days after Arsenal’s title hopes were all but ended following a 3-0 home defeat by Brighton.
The Gunners winger has played a huge part in his side’s impressive effort this season, but Saka, much like Arsenal as a collective, appeared to show signs of fatigue and tension at the business end of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side led the Premier League for the overwhelming majority of the season, but a miserable run of results in April means Manchester City are now just one win away from retaining their crown.
Many have suggested that Arsenal, a club who haven’t been involved in a title race for some time, buckled under the weight of expectation when it started to actually look like a tangible ambition.
Whether it be surrendering two two-goal leads in successive weeks away at Liverpool and West Ham, or having to fight back for a draw at home against a Southampton side who have since been relegated, the Gunners simply couldn’t seem to hack it when the stakes were high.
Which is why Saka’s recent remarks surrounding pressure make for interesting reading. The 21-year-old has certainly had to deal with his fair share of pressure for someone so young and more often than not come out better for it the other side.
However, Saka has also been the subject of criticism in recent weeks regarding his struggles at an important time of the campaign for Arsenal.
As part of a feature on the Arsenal website, Saka explained: “Before anyone else puts pressure on me, I’ve put 1,000 times more pressure on myself.
“I don’t think anyone can ever criticise me more than I criticise myself. I really monitor myself and my performances as well so I don’t really feel that pressure externally – it comes from within.”
The Gunners ace also heralded those around him at the club for the part to play they have in his development.
Saka added: “Obviously when I come to the training ground there are so many good influences, so many good players, good coaching staff and people in this place.”
Arsenal still have the chance to finish this season strong and can end the campaign on an impressive 87 points providing they win their last two games against Nottingham Forest and Wolves respectively.
Saka has already had a stellar season in terms of an individual output, with 13 goals and 11 assists in the league alone, but how he’ll wish that could have been enough to inspire Arsenal to title glory.
