Bukayo Saka has played up the importance of the north London derby ahead of Sunday’s game, insisting he’s looking forward to the match.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s north London derby match against Tottenham Hotspur, Bukayo Saka made no attempt to hide that this is a big game for the team and for the fans.
“I think it’s one of the most beautiful fixtures as well,” Saka said. “You know, the energy building up to it, how you feel the supporters when you arrive at the stadium, when it kicks off, when you make a tackle, you know, it’s that bit of an extra edge and I think that’s what makes football beautiful.
“Those are the games that definitely, me as a player, I look forward to the most.
“It means so much more because you know how much of a lift it gives you as players. But also the fans, the stadium, and going into the next few weeks, you know the energy off the back of that, that they give you is so good. So yeah, it’s important.”
Saka has had an excellent record in north London derbies, particularly in recent times. In the last four seasons of matches, the 24-year-old has scored three goals, assisted three, and forced two own goals.
The last time Saka played but didn’t score or assist in this derby, home or away, was in 2022. And the only match he’s missed in that time was January’s 2-1 win, due to a hamstring injury.
Arsenal have certainly benefitted from all of those goal contributions, winning five of their last six against Spurs and drawing the sixth. Again, the last defeat came in 2022, with the help of an early penalty and a Rob Holding red card.
Saka and the team will want to keep that record going on Sunday, particularly playing at home in front of the fans at the Emirates Stadium.