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Bukayo Saka makes'horrible'Arsenal admission as Premier League'motivation'explained

Bukayo Saka has said he wants to use the "horrible" experiences of missing out on silverware to fire Arsenal to a first trophy in over four years this season.

Since making his debut for the Gunners in 2018, Saka has won one FA Cup and two Community Shields but has also finished runner-up in the Premier League in the last two seasons.

The 23-year-old was also part of the England sides that lost consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.

However, Saka, who has scored 67 goals in 249 appearances since making his Arsenal debut six years ago, has insisted he will use the heartbreak of those final defeats and near misses to try and help the Gunners over the line this season.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Saka said: "We're not scared. The last two seasons we've competed for the league and come very close.

"We're also back in the Champions League - we have some experience there now - so we feel we're ready to compete for every trophy. We really want to take that next step and try to win something."

He added: "It's horrible, I'll be honest. It's just that extra fuel for me and extra motivation. I want to get it over the line this season and try to lift the trophy, for sure.

"You work the whole season and you're so close, you've literally got one hand on the trophy, you're in the final or you're right there to win the Premier League, or whatever trophy you're competing for that season, and then you don't win it... it's like the whole year's work... and nothing to show for it.

"I know you can be proud of the season and evolution and development, but that's why more than ever we want to take the next step and win."

Arsenal are currently third in the Premier League, six points off league leaders Liverpool.

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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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