Bukayo Saka is hungry to make this a season to remember after scoring in the first match of Arsenal's Premier League title defence against Coventry City
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka scored for Arsenal against Coventry and looked really sharp
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Bukayo Saka insists he "doesn't like" the narrative that Arsenal aren't attacking enough after playing "beautiful football" against Coventry City.
The 24-year-old set the tone for the forthcoming season by slamming home the Gunners' second in their one-sided 3-0 thrashing of Coventry.
When asked post-match if we can expect to see "a more attacking Arsenal" this season, Saka took offence, firing back: "I don't like this narrative, to be honest.
"I think it's a great start for the team. We played beautiful football and we scored, what the game required. Sometimes it's a set piece, sometimes it's open play. It's about winning, and that's what matters."
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Mikel Arteta was keen to give Saka an extended break following the World Cup, where Saka battled Achilles' pain, just as he did during the latter stages of last season.
Remarkably, the wide man took just seven full days off before getting back into training, which is why he's looking so sharp against Manchester City and Coventry City.
He explained: "The World Cup was a couple of months ago, but I've put in a lot of work since then. It was more about balancing my time off and not having too much of a break.
"So, I took seven days off and then I started to train again. I'm just trying to come back in good shape so I'm on top of my game."
Saka's brilliant treble in the rollercoaster 6-4 third-place play-off win over France at the World Cup ignited the fire in his belly for the new season.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka scored and sparkled as Arsenal thrashed Coventry 3-0 on Friday night
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It's why he refused to take his foot off the gas, as he wanted to carry that momentum into pre-season, even though his body needed a break.
He admits the World Cup was difficult, adding: "Yeah, it was [difficult]. It didn't necessarily go how I wanted it to. Myself and for the team as well. But, yeah, I put the World Cup behind me mentally and just worked on the team."
Arsenal are now reaping the rewards of his mindset and determination. He is desperate to ensure the Gunners retain their Premier League crown.
The marksman added, when quizzed on whether the desire is to just simply go again after landing the likes of Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and close friend Ezri Konsa: "That's the mindset. We want to do it again, and we're going to give our best."