Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Bukayo Saka can take his game to different level at the club. Saka scored in the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Aston Villa on last Tuesday. 

Saka was affected by an Achilles injury last season and could only make three appearances for the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup.

The winger had also scored a goal in 3-0 win against Coventary in the 23rd minute of the team’s opening game of the season. This is the first time he has scored in consecutive league matches since November 2024.

Referencing the hunger being shown by Saka, boss Arteta said: “I noticed that straight away.

“The fact that he wanted to come in early was already a great sign and there was the way he prepared during the summer.

“Things happen in your career and then you need certain motivation, or a little pinch sometimes, to take it to a different level.

“And there are really good signs that Bukayo is giving to think that is going to be the case.”

Saka will look to continue his scoring run against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arteta said his team is going to have a challenging game against the Blues following the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso.

“I think they have every ingredient to be in the highest part of the table,” Arteta said.

“Knowing him [Alonso], knowing the history of the club, the quality of their squad, the schedule that they are going to face in relation to other teams, it’s very, very possible that is going to be the case.”

Arsenal has thus far won both of their matches of the season.