Bukayo Saka isn’t just performing well – he’s raising the bar for the entire team.

With back-to-back braces, the Arsenal winger has his sights set on his inaugural hat-trick as the Gunners continue their push for the Premier League crown.

Bukayo Saka is on fire. The Arsenal winger scored braces in back-to-back away wins over West Ham and Burnley.

Yet, the 22-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels. He is in pursuit of his first-ever hat-trick for the Gunners.

“Of course, I’m happy to score two”

With two goals to his name for two weeks running, and seven goals (and one assist) in his last six league games, Saka is undeniably a pivotal figure in the team’s run since the turn of the year.

However, as his post-Burnley comments reveal, he isn’t fully satisfied: “I’m really pleased…But yeah, of course I’m happy to score two, two weeks in a row and hopefully the third one will come soon.”

Arsenal‘s form fuelled by goals

Saka’s individual uptick in form coincides with Arsenal‘s dominance since their trip to Dubai. Their five-game winning streak marks an historic start to the year for the club, with a staggering 21 goals scored. Saka’s contributions have been vital to this offensive arsenal.

When discussing Arsenal‘s upcoming Champions League match against Porto, his enthusiasm mirrors the team’s confidence: “I’m really excited…looking forward to it and hopefully we can take this form into that game as well.”

Arteta’s belief in Saka

Mikel Arteta‘s praise backs up Saka’s belief in himself. The manager has commented on the player’s finishing ability and consistent quality: “He’s got this ability and he trains a lot in many different situations in and around the box, and today he had two brilliant finishes again.

“We already see him (as a senior player) especially forward players, wingers with a level of consistency and numbers (he has) is something really strange to find, but it’s not a coincidence, that’s for sure. When you look at him every single day, the way he trains, the way he applies himself, the qualities that he has, and he can do more.”

Bukayo Saka’s stats this season

• Bukayo Saka has scored 15 and assisted 13 in 32 games this season, averaging a goal or assist every 93 minutes.
• He has 12 goals and eight assists in 24 Premier League games, leaving him just two shy of the 14 he scored in the whole of last season (with 11 assists).
• Exactly half of Saka’s 12 league goals this season have come since 20th January.
• Saka has started all 24 Premier League games he has been available for, being subbed off in eight.
• Thanks to Arsenal’s comprehensive wins in their last two away games, Saka has been able to be rested for a total of 44+ minutes in those matches.
• Arsenal have only lost one game when Saka has scored or assisted this season – the 2-1 defeat at Fulham on New Year’s Eve. Coincidentally, that was also the last game Arsenal lost before going on their run of P5 W5 F21 A2 (+19).