2 hours ago
2
Bukayo Saka has said he's "hungry for more" after hitting the milestone of 100 Premier League goal contributions, in a stark warning to reigning champion Liverpool.
The Arsenal winger, who converted a second-half penalty during the 2-0 win over West Ham, has now accumulated 55 goals and 45 assists whilst also notching up his 200th top-flight outing. The Gunners took advantage of Liverpool dropping points on Saturday, with Arne Slot's men having gone down to Chelsea on Saturday evening after a late goal from Estevao.
Nevertheless, Saka maintains his finest performances lie ahead, explaining: "It feels very good. But yes, knowing myself, I'm always hungry for more but in these moments, I need to not take it for granted especially after being out with a few injuries over the last few months.
"I don't take these things for granted anymore, so I'm really happy with that milestone and I want to push on for more."
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who similarly scored on his 200th Premier League appearance, sent Saka a text message on Saturday morning to motivate the 24 year old towards another historic achievement.
Saka has subsequently praised his unique bond with the iconic Frenchman, remarking: "He messages me a lot and I message him too.
"I'm just really grateful to have that relationship because we all know who he is and what he's done in the game, especially for this club as well. I don't think there's anyone better to learn from, it's a pleasure every time I get to learn from him and get to listen to him and give me some advice.
"Sometimes you have to think twice, is that really him? Now I'm starting to get used to it. He's really close to me. He's really pushing me and pushing the club. He wants us to win. He's also a fan, so that's nice."
When Arsenal were granted a second-half penalty last weekend, there was an expectation that Viktor Gyokeres would welcome the opportunity to break his six-match scoring drought, having thundered home a spot-kick against Leeds in September.
However, Saka, who hammered the ball beyond Alphonse Areola, never questioned who would take responsibility, stating: "No, when I grabbed the ball I wanted to take it, so that was my thoughts at that moment."
Speaking in August, Mikel Arteta revealed to ESPN Brasil that Gyokeres had become the club's premier penalty taker.
Meanwhile, Saka has suggested he'll continue on penalty duties this campaign, adding with a grin: "We'll keep our conversations in house for now, I won't say much more!".
After celebrating his 300th fixture in charge of Arsenal with triumph, Arteta heaped praise upon his £63.5million striker Gyokeres for his unselfish work spearheading the attack.
Teammate Saka remains convinced the Swede is demonstrating his value at the Emirates and that the goals will inevitably arrive. The forward went on to say: "I think Viktor's playing really, really well. There's no doubt he's going to score goals. What he's bringing to this team, us as his teammates, we're so grateful for what he does, how he holds the ball, how he makes the runs, the threat he gives us.
"He's a big part of the reason why we're winning these games. His goals will come. We know that, we believe that and we believe in him. I don't think there's any doubts. He's still up, he's still happy and he's still giving his best every game."
English (US) ·