Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal are ready to deliver the Premier League title this season, following a statement-making performance in Europe against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners impressed in their Champions League home opener on Tuesday night, securing a 2-0 win with first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Saka, signaling their potential to challenge the best teams on the continent.
The victory over PSG is one of the defining moments of Mikel Arteta’s near five-year reign at the Emirates, showcasing Arsenal’s remarkable progress under his guidance. It comes after a disappointing goalless draw with Europa League holders Atalanta, demonstrating the Gunners’ ability to rebound and prove they can topple Europe’s elite. Saka’s role in the triumph further underscores his belief that this could finally be the year Arsenal break their long domestic title drought.
This high-profile win follows another significant moment in Arsenal’s season—an intense Premier League clash against Manchester City. Despite playing with ten men, Arsenal came within minutes of a landmark victory, only to be denied by a last-gasp equalizer. With the unbeaten Gunners now sitting third in the league after winning four of their first six matches, they trail only early pacesetters Liverpool and defending champions City by a narrow margin. Their recent form has created an air of confidence around the Emirates that they can sustain a title challenge.
Manchester City’s recent stumble has added to the growing belief in Arsenal’s title chances. City have dropped points in consecutive league matches and suffered a major blow with the season-ending injury to key midfielder Rodri. These developments have fueled speculation that this could finally be the year Arsenal end their 20-year wait for Premier League glory, having fallen short against Pep Guardiola’s side in consecutive seasons. Saka echoed this optimism in his post-match comments.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on us, but I do think that this is the year we can win the title,” Saka told CBS Sports after his starring role against PSG. “I think we’ve been close the last two years, and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.” His words reflect a sense of determination and belief that has been steadily building within the squad.
In another interview with Amazon Prime Video, Saka spoke of his personal drive and the team’s collective ambition. “Previous years, I’ve come runners-up a lot. It’s just that spirit in me that I want to win this season and, of course, I believe in myself a lot,” he said. “With those two things, it helps. We believe in ourselves, we believe we’re a top team. We showed that tonight (against PSG). I did tell the boys we have to make a statement when big teams are coming to the Emirates.”
Saka’s confidence is emblematic of an Arsenal side that has matured under Arteta. Their recent performances, both domestically and in Europe, suggest they are ready to turn belief into action and mount a serious challenge for silverware this season.