Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has explained why he took the Arsenal’s penalty instead of Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has explained why he took the Arsenal’s penalty instead of Viktor Gyokeres in their win against West Ham United on Saturday.
The England international further explained that he was confident of himself and was 100% ready at that moment, so he stepped forward to take the shot himself. Though his decision turned out to be the right one, as he scored calmly to help Arsenal secure an important victory.

In the game, Arsenal were given a penalty after a foul inside the box. Normally, both Saka and Gyokeres are known to be good penalty takers, so there was a question about who would take it. However, Saka said he felt in control and trusted himself to score.
He also revealed that there was no argument between him and Gyokeres; instead, it was a team decision based on confidence and readiness.

While speaking after the match, Saka also  said Viktor is also very comfortable taking penalties, but in that moment, I felt confident. I told him I wanted to take it, and he agreed. Everyone in the team supported my choice.
This move shows the unity and respect between the gunners players, even when both are capable of doing the same job.
The England star’s confidence came from his past experience. He has taken many penalties for Arsenal and England, some under great pressure. Although he once missed an important penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final, he has since bounced back stronger. Over the past few seasons, he has scored several crucial penalties for Arsenal, proving his growth and mental strength.

Against West Ham, Saka once again showed his calmness and focus. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and scored with ease. The fans at the Emirates Stadium cheered loudly as he celebrated with his teammates. His goal gave Arsenal an early lead and helped them control the match.

After the game, manager Mikel Arteta praised Saka for his confidence and professionalism. Arteta said that having more than one player capable of taking penalties is a good thing for the team. He added that what matters most is that the players decide together and support each other.

The situation between Saka and Gyokeres also shows the positive team spirit in Arsenal’s dressing room. There was no drama or argument—just respect, trust, and teamwork. That kind of unity is one of the reasons why Arsenal have been performing well this season.

Saka’s penalty was not just a goal; it was a sign of leadership. Even though he is still young, he continues to show maturity and responsibility on the pitch. Fans admire his courage and consistency.

In football, confidence plays a big role in success, especially when taking penalties. Saka’s calm attitude and belief in himself made all the difference. He proved once again why he is one of Arsenal’s most reliable players in big moments.

Arsenal’s victory over West Ham was an important one in their campaign, and Saka’s penalty was a key part of that win. His explanation after the match made it clear that it was not about who should take the penalty, but about who felt ready in the moment and Saka certainly was.

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