Arteta tells Saka to target 'two or three' goals a game
Mikel Arteta has set Bukayo Saka an ambitious new target, insisting the winger should be aiming to score multiple goals in a single match rather than chasing a season tally.
Saka is Arsenal's top scorer so far this season with three goals in the opening six Premier League games, but has missed several notable chances in recent weeks. He was played through one on one against James Trafford in Saturday's win over Leeds, only for his effort to be saved with the final kick of the match. Big opportunities were also missed against Sunderland and in the Champions League victory over Napoli.
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Saka's best individual season in front of goal came in 2023/24, when he finished with 16 Premier League goals and 20 in all competitions. Asked whether that tally should be the benchmark again, Arteta said the target needs to be set much higher.
“No, I think the numbers should go to score two or three per game,” Arteta said. “That's it. That's the mindset. And then if you score one, so be it, you score two, so be it, because he has the ability to score in many ways.”
The Spaniard explained why he wants Saka thinking in those terms rather than fixating on a season long total. “If you go to all the attackers, and that's the way, I think you have to attack something,” he said. “Because if you go '20, OK, now we are in October, I still have eight months to score 17 more goals.' That's not the mindset, that's not going to take you there.”
Getting Saka into central areas
There has been a clear emphasis this season on pushing Saka into more dangerous, central positions inside the box rather than relying solely on his work from the right flank. His goal against Coventry came from six yards after the goalkeeper parried the ball, while his winner against Aston Villa was scored from close range after a sharp run across the defender to turn the ball in at the near post.
That pattern continued during the international break. Saka's first goal against Croatia came from just three yards out after finding space in the six yard box, and he was in a similar position when pouncing on a loose pass for his second.
“That is where we need to get him,” Arteta said. “If he misses the chance, so be it. At the end, the more volume we generate, the bigger the probability of him scoring more goals. He has been getting in great positions, getting shots, getting one touch finishes and tap ins.”
Arteta's message
Arteta made clear he believes Saka's underlying numbers should already be higher than they are. “He could have had another four or five goals by now, easily,” he said. “But if he continues like that, we know [he will score more]. When he talks about scoring a certain amount of goals, he needs to be thinking about scoring a certain amount of goals per game. If that shifts, that mentality, he will get into those positions and score more goals.”
Arsenal will be hoping the shift in approach starts paying off in front of goal as the season progresses, with Saka's underlying chances suggesting a return to his 2023/24 heights, or beyond, remains firmly within reach.
Quotes via The Standard.
