Bukayo Saka: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praises the “commitment” and “courage” of teenagers during a difficult period | Football news

Mikel Arteta has praised Bukayo Saka’s “commitment” and “courage” during a difficult period for Arsenal.

Saka produced his second man-of-the-match display in four days as Arsenal followed their 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day with a close win against Brighton on Tuesday.

The academy product, which scored Arsenal’s third goal against Chelsea, provided the assist to Alexandre Lacazette’s goal at Amex Stadium and caused problems for Brighton throughout, further underscoring his status as one of the best young players. from the country.

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Since the start of last season, Saka has recorded 15 assists in all competitions for Arsenal, more than any other player at the club, and Arteta has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s influence.

“For me, the most important thing he has done in recent months is the personality he plays with and the responsibility he takes on,” the Arsenal manager said ahead of his team’s trip to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday.

“Also the decisions he is willing to make when things are not going well and the impact he has had on the team to obtain results. That is in his nature and he wants to evolve that.”

“You can see that his teammates trust him, they still want to give him that responsibility and that is great. He is a great example for any young player to play with that commitment, that passion but also, with that courage that you need when playing for a great team. “.

Saka was substituted late against Brighton after appearing to injure his ankle, but Arteta is confident that he will be fit when his team travels to The Hawthorns.

“I hope he is available. We will see him with training today. He has also played many minutes. I am sure he will be fine for the game,” Arteta added.

‘The pressure has risen a bit’

Arsenal recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since September by beating Brighton to lift spirits at the club for the new year.

The defeat at Everton on December 19 left the Gunners just four points above the relegation zone after 14 games, their worst start to the season since 1974/75, but fortunes turned with the win over Chelsea at the end. last week.

“We needed those results, that’s for sure, but we need a much longer race,” Arteta said.

“There are things that we have done much better to obtain the results in the last two games, but there are many things that we have to do better and improve.

“In terms of confidence, obviously it’s a completely different scenario when you win football matches and everyone plays with more freedom and more confidence. The pressure is released a bit and that’s always a good thing.”

Arteta: Allardyce ‘very efficient’

Arsenal head to West Brom this weekend in search of a third win in a row against a team that have only won once in the Premier League this season.

The Baggies’ previous game under new boss Sam Allardyce ended in a 5-0 loss to Leeds, but Arteta says the draws against Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks have shown what they are capable of.

“Against Liverpool, they had a very clear plan and they executed it very well,” Arteta said.

“I think even with 1-0 down, they didn’t really change anything at all. They knew they were going to have their moments, they grew up and got into the game and were much more efficient in the second half and put Liverpool in trouble.

“Sam is very efficient at what he does. He has a very clear philosophy of the game. He always collects results and always makes it very difficult for you.

“Their teams are always very well organized and they know exactly what to do, so it will be a difficult test again.”