Yaya Sanogo Vows to Silence Critics After Challenging Start at Arsenal
Yaya Sanogo, the young French striker who joined Arsenal in July 2013, has endured a difficult initiation into Premier League football. His first season was plagued by physical setbacks and an inability to find the back of the net, leading some Arsenal fans to dub him “SaNOgoals” in a mocking play on his name.
Despite the early criticism, Sanogo has remained composed and is determined to prove his worth on the pitch. Speaking to French sports daily L’Equipe, the 21-year-old acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing for a top club like Arsenal, but insisted he will soon open his goal account to quiet the doubters.
“It’s a big club. The fans know I scored a lot in the youth teams, so they put a bit of pressure on me,” Sanogo said. “Once I score my first goal, everything will be fine.”
Sanogo also reflected on the challenges of adapting to the rigours of the Premier League after moving from Ligue 2, where he played for Auxerre. “It took me six months to adapt. I had a lot of problems when I arrived; I came on one leg because of injuries. Adapting to the championship was difficult,” he admitted.
He added: “When you come from Ligue 2 and know you will face players like Vincent Kompany, it’s no easy feat. But I have gained experience and am learning all the time.”
Sanogo’s honesty about his struggles highlights the difficult transition many young players face when moving to one of the world’s most demanding leagues. His commitment to overcoming these obstacles underscores his potential to become an important asset for Arsenal in the future.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has expressed faith in Sanogo’s talent and believes the striker will develop into a valuable player for the club. With a reputation for physical strength and a keen eye for goal from his youth career, Sanogo’s challenge now is to translate that promise into consistent performances at the senior level.
The striker’s determination to adapt and improve will be crucial as Arsenal seek to bolster their attacking options in a competitive Premier League season. Fans will be hoping the young forward can soon shed the “SaNOgoals” nickname and instead be celebrated for his contributions to the Gunners’ front line.
As Sanogo continues to train and gain experience, the football world will watch closely to see whether he can fulfill his potential and become a reliable goal scorer for Arsenal.
