It’s not a coincidence’ – Bukayo Saka opens up on Arsenal’s set-piece success after Champions League win over PSG

The Gunners breezed past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night, preserving their unbeaten start to the campaign. Arsenal have been noticeably clinical from set-pieces under Mikel Arteta this season, particularly with Saka’s deliveries to defender Gabriel. The England international opened up on the work done on the training ground that is paying off handsomely in games.

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  WHAT SAKA SAID

  Speaking on Amazon Prime after the match, Saka said: “I won’t be giving you any inside secrets [on set pieces] but we do work a lot, most days in training, on set pieces. For me and for the boys it is not a coincidence that we score from them every game. This season there is a lot of hunger in my belly. In previous years we have been runners-up a lot so it is just that spirit in me that I want to win this season, that is where the confidence is coming from. I believe in myself and that is driving me forward.”

  “All attacking players we are attack-minded and want to go forward but the manager has emphasised a lot to us the need to do the other side of the game. I’m sure you can hear him on the touchline when we are out of possession! It does take a lot of sacrifice and discipline but it is what the team requires. When you see the results we have a lot of clean sheets and it shows that we are getting the rewards for that work.”

• • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Arsenal have lacked a little bit of bite and creativity without Martin Odegaard in the last few games, so for the team to be so dominant in the air on set-pieces is a huge plus. Gabriel has already scored two crucial goals from corners against Tottenham and Manchester City this season to preserve their title charge.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    Arteta will fancy his side to win again on Saturday when they host struggling Southampton in the Premier League. After that, it is a trip to Bournemouth, a match Gunners fans will again see as winnable.