Saka, however, assured that Gyökeres will score goals, adding that his teammates appreciate what he’s bringing to the team.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal forward, Bukayo Saka, has said his decision to take the spot-kick against West Ham United in their 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday was a spontaneous reaction.
The Gunners leapfrogged Liverpool and went top of the English Premier League (EPL) after the comfortable win over the Hammers.
Declan Rice opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 38th minute after Eberechi Eze’s shot was initially saved by West Ham goalkeeper.
However, when Jurrien Timber was fouled inside the area by the visitor’s defender, Saka grabbed the ball and eventually doubled his team’s lead.
Pundits while analysing the encounter questioned his decision given that Arsenal’s new striker, Viktor Gyokeres has not scored in his last 6 games.
Although Saka was Arsenal’s first-choice penalty taker last season, Gyokeres has already taken a spot-kick this season in the win against Leeds United.
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Mikel Arteta also acknowledged the Swedish international’s penalty kick prowess after he was signed.
When asked if there was any doubt in who was taking the penalty against West Ham, Saka noted that his decision was instinctive.
He also assured that Gyökeres will eventually score goals, adding that his teammates appreciate what he’s bringing to the team.
He said, “When I grabbed the ball I wanted to take it, so that’s what my thoughts were at that moment. Erm, we’ll keep our conversations in the house for now, I won’t say much more!
“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.”
