Arteta challenges Saka to score two or three goals per game

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 00:27 · Archive

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka to aim for two or three goals per match.

Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka to target scoring two or three goals per game, saying this is the standard expected of Arsenal's attackers. Saka, 25, is the Gunners' top scorer this season with four goals in nine games, but has squandered several opportunities. He missed a one-on-one with Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford on Saturday and had earlier wasted chances against Sunderland and Napoli.

Saka's best goalscoring season came in 2023/24, when he scored 16 in the Premier League and 20 in all competitions. Arteta said the bar should be set even higher, with the mindset that attackers should aim for multiple goals per match. The manager also revealed he has deliberately tweaked Saka's positioning this season to get him closer to goal.

Saka responded to Arteta's challenge by scoring and assisting in Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille, shaking off illness to come off the bench. He assisted Eberechi Eze's goal to make it 2-0 before adding a one-touch finish for the third. Arteta praised the impact, saying 'It was a joy to watch' as the winger proved influential in the win.

How it is being reported

• Saka responds to Arteta's challenge with 'huge impact'Bukayo Saka responds to the challenge set by Mikel Arteta as he comes off the bench to change the game against Lille in the Champions League.BBC News · 14 Oct, 00:03
• Mikel Arteta sets Bukayo Saka target after Arsenal star's missed chancesGunners star has miEvening Standard · 12 Oct, 22:30

In this story: Bukayo Saka · Mikel Arteta · Arsenal · England · Leeds · Lille · Napoli · Sunderland

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