The north London derby is a fixture that means more to Gooners all around the world, and Bukayo Saka is no stranger to that.
Speaking to the media at Sobha Realty Training Centre this week, our Hale End Academy graduate shared some of his memories from the rivalry.
“I remember many north London derbies, but I really remember Tomas Rosicky’s really nice volley at White Hart Lane,” he said. “That comes to mind. I also went to one where I think we won 4-2 - Aubemeyang and Lacazette scored - those are the two I remember.
“I would get tickets and go with the academy boys. I’d have the biggest smile on my face to know I’d score in the derby!”
That’s exactly what Bukayo did last season, once at Emirates Stadium and then again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later in the campaign.
“I was really focused on my first touch because, if it was good, I was really confident that I could get a shot away in the box and, when I come inside like that, there’s a certain way I strike it,” he explained. “If I do strike it well, I’m confident it’s going in.
“When I looked it up it was a bit silent there, but behind in the corner I could hear the away fans. It was a nice moment and I celebrated there and cupped my ears.
“That’s what you get up in the morning to put the hard work in for. When it comes off, it’s worth it.”
It’s been a typically reliable and consistent start to the season for Bukayo, who provided attacking returns in each of our three Premier League fixtures so far.
In fact, since the turn of the year, he has scored or assisted in 15 out of 19 Premier League matches, earning him a place on the Ballon D’Or shortlist.
“It’s obviously a huge honour to be in the top 30 best players in the world on that list,” he said. “It’s recognition of all the hard work I’ve been putting in across the season, so it’s a really nice moment to see your name on the list.
“Since I was young, I always wanted to be a player that has an important role in the team, whether it’s scoring goals or making goals, just being the difference in the final third. When I came into the first team, I was starting at the back, but in the back of my mind I still wanted to be involved in the goals.
“I’ve got the license to play in my natural position on the wing and I’ve always put pressure on myself. Before other people speak about what they expect of me, I expect the highest of myself. I’m satisfied with what I’m doing, but I know that I haven’t achieved my goals yet so that’s what keeps me motivated.”
We went into the September international break off the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, but Bukayo is confident we can show a positive response and is delighted with the news that Mikel Arteta has extended his stay as our manager.
“We all have that hunger in our belly after finishing the last two seasons as runners-up,” he said. “We don’t want to have that feeling again.
“I’m really happy Mikel has signed a new contract. He’s the right man, look at the progress he’s made with bringing the club forward. Credit to him and hopefully it’s going to come with some success.
“He’s an incredible leader and he inspires us. In his team talks and when he pulls you to the side, he gives you details. Each year I have a conversation with him at the start of the season and he talks to me about my role in the team.”
Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
