Arsenal star Bukayo Saka missed a penalty during the 2-2 draw against West Ham as Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just a single point
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka and club legend Ian Wright have both given their support to Bukayo Saka after he missed a crucial penalty against West Ham on Sunday afternoon. The Hale End graduate stepped up to take a penalty after Michail Antonio was penalised for handling the ball in the penalty area.
Following the draw against West Ham, Xhaka gave his support to Saka and backed the England international to bounce back immediately. "We don’t need to blame anybody, not Bukayo, not any player," Xhaka said.
"It happens, not only to him but to bigger, bigger players. This is part of the job, part of his career.
"It will not be the first and it will not be the last… so if there is another penalty on Friday (against Southampton), I will push him to take it again. This guy is so young, he’s 21… he needs our support maybe more now than before.
"He is young and this is one more experience for his future. But, I think he is so strong mentally that he will show a reaction on Friday."
Wright joined Xhaka in offering his unequivocal support for Arsenal's 'star boy' and admitted he expects everyone at the club to do the same. "He will always be our starboy no matter what," Wright told The Athletic..
"He has my unequivocal support and I would expect everyone around Arsenal to do the same. Vocal support matters.
"I want him to know we will always rally around him. Then you see the racism.
"As a black player that is always there. It’s not enough to miss the penalty and take the disappointment that comes with that, because as a black player you must also take racist abuse?
“We will keep lifting him up above the hate. Watch our fans on Friday night. He’s going to feel the love. I can tell you that.
"Despite what he has been through he has continued to take responsibility. He can do so again. He has greatness. Just go again, Bukayo."
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