Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will remain as the club's penalty taker despite his miss from the spot against West Ham. The Gunners drew 2-2 against the Hammers as they dropped more points in the race for the Premier League.
Arteta watched his side throw away yet another 2-0 lead just a week after Liverpool came from behind to snatch a point against the league leaders at Anfield. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard handed the Gunners an early advantage against West Ham, before Said Benrahma grabbed a goal back for the hosts before half-time.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the second half but Saka was unable to convert his spot kick as the ball sailed wide of the post. Just minutes later, Jarrod Bowen equalised for David Moyes' side with the Gunners unable to find a winner.
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Ian Wright and Granit Xhaka both offered their support for the England international following his penalty miss, backing the Hale End star to bounce back against Southampton on Friday evening. It was Saka's first penalty miss for Arsenal and his first setback from the spot since the Euro 2020 final with England.
Speaking ahead of the Gunners' crucial clash against the Saints on Friday, Arteta confirmed that the 21-year-old will remain on penalty duties despite Jorginho having a brilliant record for the spot throughout his career. When asked if Saka will remain as the club's penalty taker, the Arsenal boss said: "Yes!
"If not, I will go on the pitch, throw him the ball and make sure he takes the next one," he added. Saka has scored two goals from the spot this term against arguably the two best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Manchester City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson.
Jorginho was signed from Chelsea in the January transfer window and his unique penalty taking style has offered plenty of success in the past. However, Arteta has backed Saka to continue taking the responsibility for the team and not be replaced by the Italian midfielder.
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