Bukayo Saka response to PSG win speaks volumes after recent Arsenal criticism

Bukayo Saka sent an emphatic response to Arsenal’s critics after captaining his side to an impressive win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 in north London on Tuesday night thanks to Kai Havertz’s header from Leandro Trossard’s cross and Saka’s free-kick, which beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from out wide. The Gunners scored both of their goals in the first half and then did a good job of repelling a disappointing PSG side to pick up three points.

Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in nine matches this season and have collected five clean sheets, two of which have come in the Champions League. Their gritty style has brought huge improvements under Arteta, but has drawn criticism following the incident-packed 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

Arsenal ’s attempts to slow the game down have been labelled as “dark arts” by some, but Saka is clear that such criticism is irrelevant so long as the team keeps winning. “There is a lot of hunger in my belly. I have a been a runner-up a lot and this season I want to win,” he said.

“I see a lot of people speak about Arsenal and the way we play. It’s about results. Different games have different contexts. We have to do whatever it takes and win in any context whether it’s set-pieces or playing our beautiful football. We just want to win.”

Asked by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on CBS Sports if this could be the year Arsenal finally topple City to win the Premier League title, Saka replied: "I don't want to put too much pressure on us but I do think this is the year. I think we've been close the last two years and yeah, we're getting closer. But yeah, this hopefully will be the year."

Arteta is understandably proud of the work ethic he has instilled in his side. "The players do it and they don't feel like it is nasty, they feel that it is their duty to the team,” he said. “And they have started to love it.

“It is all about how you feel when you do something, if you really feel it you do it well, if not then you are just cheating. These guys don't cheat, they run and track back every time. If you want to be a top team you better have eleven players that are capable of working.

"Sometimes you don't want to play in a certain way but if the opponent takes you there you must be happy to do it. We looked a lot at different scenarios in pre-season and how we would approach them and how we can work to our own game. We want to continue to win in any context so we have to adapt.”