After seeing us finally enjoy a positive experience on Tyneside, Bukayo Saka feels “we made a big statement” with a late, late show at St James’ Park.
Late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel grabbed what could be a huge three points against Newcastle United, having trailed for most of the match, seen a penalty overturned by VAR and entering the final four minutes of normal time behind.
But two headers from our duo ensured that we turned things on its head, and after three frustrating trips to the north-east in recent seasons, Bukayo was glad to see fortune finally swing in our favour against the Black and Whites.
“It was a big result, the captain for the day said post-match. “We've come here in the past and results have gone against us, or decisions and stuff like that. It was starting to feel like that again today, but we have a big character, a big fight to turn it around, so we're really happy.
“In the past, we've come here and had decisions to go against us and whatnot, and almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope having an unbelievable game. But we dug in and we showed that character, that resilience we have, so I'm really proud of all the boys. We made a big statement today. It's really good for us, you can see it in all of our faces.”
Our winger was on the bench when the goals went in, having continued his own comeback from injury with another 70 minutes of action under his belt, having led the side out at the start after being handed the armband by Mikel Arteta in Martin Odegaard’s absence.
He may not have been on the field for the biggest moments of the match from our perspective, but Bukayo was pleased he still managed to get involved in the celebrations after the late drama.
On that moment, he added: “It was top, we had to run out to the corner flag and share the moment with Gabi! It's a big moment for us as a team.
“I was enjoying [the game]. I was feeling good, obviously managing it having just come back and three games in a week. I felt really good out there. I felt we dominated the game, we controlled it, and at the end, we got what we deserved.
“It's a beautiful feeling every time I get to wear the armband, and even better when we get three points, so I'm really happy.”
