Saka praises Arsenal’s resilience after Sunderland win caps demanding week

Bukayo Saka says Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Sunderland underlined the character and squad depth required to complete a demanding week with three important wins.

Mikel Arteta’s side had beaten Chelsea in the Premier League and won away at Napoli in their Champions League opener before travelling north to face Sunderland only 72 hours after their return from Italy.

Arsenal secured another hard-fought victory, with Saka saying the performance reflected the contributions made by both the starting XI and the substitutes.

“It’s been since the start of the season,” Saka said. “This is a really, really big win. I enjoyed it a lot – it was tough, but a big moment with David, big moment with Bruno that really changed the game and helped us win.”

Bruno’s goal was a particularly significant moment in the match, and Saka singled out the quality of the finish and the celebrations that followed.

“The goal was amazing. The way it went in, I enjoyed it, the celebrations, everything,” he added. “It was a massive moment, a great moment for him, and he deserves it – he’s a top guy.”

Saka then added Arsenal’s second goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time, ensuring there would be no late opportunity for Sunderland to recover.

The strike was his third of the season and his 84th goal for Arsenal. It also moved him level with Robert Pires, who scored the same number for the club and, like Saka, wore the famous number seven shirt.

“I enjoy hearing those milestones,” Saka said. “So I’m happy! I was pleased to get that goal at the end, I’m very happy!”

The England winger said Arsenal’s achievement was even more significant given the combination of domestic and European commitments, along with the travel involved.

“It’s been a massive week for us,” he said. “There has been a lot of travelling, people don’t understand behind the scenes how it’s been, but I’m really happy with how we’ve managed this and to get three wins, three tough, tough games – it’s amazing for us.”

Saka also praised the wider group for helping Arsenal negotiate the demanding schedule.

“So credit to the team, the staff, all of us. We need to keep going – it doesn’t stop.”

Arsenal’s next assignment is in the Carabao Cup, when Ipswich Town visit in the third round on Tuesday.