Bukayo Saka was overcome with emotion at the final whistle of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday, visibly in tears as the Gunners were confirmed Premier League runners-up for the second consecutive season. The 22-year-old forward, who was not passed fit to play, walked onto the pitch after the match struggling to contain his disappointment.
Arsenal’s victory, secured by goals from Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz, proved irrelevant as Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham sealed a fourth straight title. The result leaves Mikel Arteta facing questions about the club’s ability to keep Saka long-term, with the England star contracted until 2027 but reportedly a target for Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta addressed fans after the match, urging them not to be satisfied. “Don’t be satisfied. We want much more than that and we’re going to get it,” he said. However, the Spanish manager spent over £200 million last summer with the aim of ending City’s dominance, and the defeat to Aston Villa last month proved costly.
Saka has been pivotal this season, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. His emotional reaction underscores the hurt of falling short, but also his commitment to the club. With Euro 2024 looming, the pressure is on Arteta to deliver trophies to keep his star man at the Emirates.
