Bukayo Saka credits Mikel Arteta for stellar campaign so far

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has praised Mikel Arteta for his impact off the back of an impressive individual season to date.

Saka has racked up 12 goals and 10 assists – both personal bests – in 30 league games so far and has been a standout performer in Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory.

The 21-year-old, who is a major contender for the Player of the Season award, has now reflected on what has been a productive campaign so far heading into its final knockings.

“I’ve learnt a lot and I’m progressing in the right way, so I’m happy,” Saka told Arsenal.com.

“I just hope at the end of the season those goals and assists will be very important and they’ll mean a lot for the team.

“[Arteta] has taught me a lot, and I have to thank him for the way I’m developing because a lot of it is because of what he’s doing for me.

“You have to be ready for everything that comes, and that’s one thing that I have tried to do – be ready for every moment and try to take it.”

With Arsenal currently sitting six points clear of Manchester City, Saka is looking forward to the sides’ meeting at the Etihad Stadium later this month, although he did also add that the outcome may not be too definitive in the title race.

“I wouldn’t say [the Man City game] is the final, but maybe the semi-final because it’s massive, and so important as both teams are fighting at the top,” the Englishman added.

“It’s really close so it’ll be a massive game.”

Following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool which saw their run of seven straight domestic victories come to an end, Saka and Arsenal will be targeting an immediate return to winning ways on Sunday when they visit the London Stadium to play West Ham United.