Bukayo Saka downplays importance of Arsenal vs Man City – ‘Everything is in our hands’

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has downplayed the importance of Arsenal versus Manchester City, calling it a “semi-final,” while he also thinks “everything is in our hands.”

The Gunners are in a position they’ve not been in for some time. The last time they finished in the top two of the Premier League was in 2015/16, though they weren’t massive title contenders that season.

Before that, you have to go back to the 2003/04 campaign for the last time they were properly in the hunt for the title and finished in the top two. They won the league that season, and have been waiting to return to those heights ever since.

This season, they’ve finally returned to a title fight. They’ve been the top side for most of the campaign, and while it’s been a while since an Arsenal side were in this position, it’s not really gotten to them.

There was a slight hiccup last time out, when the Gunners drew 2-2 with Liverpool. That’s given second-placed Manchester City a shot at closing the gap – they’re six points worse off, but with a game in hand.

Arsenal winger Saka detailed the disappointment of his side given they couldn’t come through the game with a victory.

“The boys were really disappointed after the game because we all wanted to win,” he said on Arsenal’s website.

Saka and the rest of the Arsenal side are aware that every game counts. He’s got his sights set on improving upon the last performance, as the Gunners face West Ham United this weekend.

“But we can’t change that so we have to switch the focus to Sunday against West Ham. It’s really important – we all know that – so we’ll try and be ready for the game to give our best and get the three points,” he added.

Two games after that is potentially the biggest game of Arsenal’s season – away to title rivals Manchester City. Saka doesn’t see it as do or die, though.

“I wouldn’t say [the Man City game] is the final, but maybe the semi-final because it’s massive, and so important as both teams are fighting at the top. It’s really close so it’ll be a massive game,” he said.

Saka is calm in the knowledge that Arsenal cannot be caught if they don’t drop points, despite the pressure that comes with the desire to win the league.

“As players, we really want to do this,” he added.