Arsenal may have lost to Manchester City on Wednesday evening, but there was one moment that should be encouraging for Arsenal supporters and one Gunners player.
Indeed, Mikel Arteta’s decision to let Bukayo Saka take the penalty in this crunch clash was a clear sign of faith in the young player, and it was a decision that paid off.
Saka has been Arsenal’s dedicated penalty taker this season, but with the arrival of Jorginho, who has been one of the most reliable spot-kick takers in the world, Arteta could have easily put the Italian on penalty duty.
However, Arteta showed his belief in Saka by allowing him to take the penalty in the highest-pressure situation imaginable at 1-0 down in a game that could decide the title race.
Arteta’s faith in Saka is well-placed. The 21-year-old has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, and he has shown a level of maturity and composure that belies his age.
This sort of faith will mean a lot to Saka. After all, the Englishman is surely haunted by penalties after the Euro 2020 final.
The decision to let Saka take the penalty against City was about more than just Saka’s ability to convert from the spot. It was a clear statement of faith in a young player who has shown tremendous potential, and it was a sign that Arteta is willing to trust Saka to deliver in the biggest moments.
Saka’s penalty against City was a moment of triumph for both the player and the manager. It was a sign of Saka’s ability to perform under pressure and Arteta’s ability to instill a confidence in his players.
There have been so many questions around whether Arsenal’s youngsters will be able to handle the pressure of a title race, and Saka proved that he can on Wednesday.
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