Bukayo Saka has described Arsenal's chase of Manchester City in the Premier League title race as a 'beautiful challenge', insisting the Gunners are not frustrated by the prospect of another near-miss. The 22-year-old winger has been instrumental for Mikel Arteta's side, contributing a team-high 16 goals, nine assists and 280 touches in the opposition box this season.
Arsenal will move top of the table if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, but the title could still slip away if City win their remaining three games. Saka, however, remains upbeat: 'You can either view it as frustrating or as a beautiful challenge. Everybody knows they are one of the best teams in the world, and they have been on top for five years. We are pushing them the whole way, and let’s see what happens.'
The England international acknowledged that the pain of last season's title collapse has fuelled their determination. 'The pain of last year has brought us together, and we are so hungry to go one step further this year. We are young, we are hungry, we’ve got quality and we have many more years ahead of us.'
Saka has also faced increased physical attention from defenders, leading Arsenal to lodge an official complaint with referees' union PGMOL. Club legend Bob Wilson warned Saka could face an early retirement if not better protected, but Saka said: 'I try to avoid the big tackles. I'm much smarter now, as well as being more physical. If I stay on the floor, it can disrupt the momentum, so I just try to get on with it.'
City, however, have a history of holding their nerve in title run-ins, having denied Liverpool twice and Manchester United in previous seasons. Unless Pep Guardiola's side slip up against Fulham, Tottenham or West Ham, Arsenal's campaign could once again end in disappointment.
