ARSENAL stars Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are confident that the side will have a better English Premier League title race than they did last season when they collapsed in the run-in after topping the table for most of the campaign.
Saka, Havertz and Leandro Trossard struck tonight as Arsenal defeated Brighton 3-0 at the Amex Stadium to go back to the top of the table, one point ahead of Liverpool who face Manchester United tomorrow.
“Inside we are all buzzing, we know the win takes us back on top [of the league],” England forward with Nigerian heritage Saka told Sky Sports.
“To come here after playing three days ago, I am really happy for all the boys who put in another performance – we are building momentum.”
Saka has been battling with fitness issues but he was handed a starting role by Mikel Arteta, and he scored the opening goal from the penalty spot.
“I was struggling, but as long as I have two legs I will give everything – I want to be on the pitch,” he explained.
“Brighton are really good at home, their biggest strength is playing out from the back and sometimes they get out and you have to sprint back.”
Saka is confident that Arsenal will go the distance this time, unlike last season when they fell away and Manchester City eased their way to a third consecutive Premier League title.
He added: “Last season was not great to think about.
“But, great in terms that we have learned out lesson. In games like this game we needed to put it to bed.
“Last season we were conceding late goals and having to defend – then the fans were on top of us.
“This year we are more comfortable and I think the team is better. I feel like we are ready for each game to win.”
Havertz, who started slowly at Arsenal after joining from Chelsea last summer, has been in good form for the past few weeks and scored Arsenal’s second goal from close range tonight.
The Germany forward claimed that they were not concerned that title rivals Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier today.
“To be honest we didn’t speak about it. We tried to focus on ourselves and win the game, that is more important than looking at the other games right now,” Havertz said in his post-match interview.
“We must win our matches and see where that brings us.
“We are ready for the challenge and we are up for it. Every week we play at the limit and maybe we can play better.
“The attitude and work rate of the boys is phenomenal and everyone put everything into that game – that is why we are successful right now.
“The boys at the back, what they are doing is outstanding and everyone is involved in that. We try to get the ball high up the pitch, but how they defend the box is incredible.
“We have to keep on going, we have another big game in the midweek.
“Definitely when you feel that you are so strong at the back it helps you a lot. I am enjoying myself and I will try to help the team, I hope to keep on going forward.”
