Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal’s late dramatic turnaround at St James’ Park showed the determination and character of the team, describing the 2-1 victory over Newcastle United as a “big statement”towards their Premier League title chase, Softfootball reports.
The Gunners looked set for another frustrating trip to Tyneside after Nick Woltemade’s strike put the hosts in front, while VAR controversially denied Arsenal a penalty and Nick Pope produced a string of saves. But two late headers from Merino and Gabriel turned the contest on its head in the final minutes, sealing all three points for the gunners.
Reflecting on the result after the game, Saka in a post match interview released via the teams official website, admitted the game carried moments of previous struggles in the north-east but praised his teammates for standing tall when it mattered most. he said;
“It was a big result,”“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.
Meanwhile After the game, Arsenal shared an exclusive pitch side video via its official X handle, of the team celebrating with Gabriel after he scored the winner late on to seal all three points, watch video below;
Saka, who got his first start since his return from a long term injury with 70 minutes under his belt, captained the side in Martin Ødegaard’s absence and was on the bench when both goals went in. Despite not being on the pitch at the time, he made sure to join in the celebrations with his teammates.On that special moment, he added:
It was top, man, 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.
This win not only ended a run of difficult results at St James’ Parkfor the Gunners, but also showed the world Arsenal’s determination to stay within touching distance to top of the table, alongside Saka’s words loudly stating that the team ready to embrace any challenges ahead.
