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Bukayo Saka to remain Arsenal penalty taker despite West Ham miss

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will remain Arsenal’s penalty taker despite the forward’s decisive miss from the spot during the draw with West Ham.

The miss on Sunday was the 21-year-old’s first failed spot kick since the Euro 2020 final.

Leading 2-1 at the time, Arsenal went on to draw 2-2.

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Saka apologised on social media and received support from the likes of Ian Wright and Arteta has now confirmed that he will remain on spot-kick duty.

Asked if he would still take Arsenal’s penalties, Arteta replied: “Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and pass him the ball and make sure he takes the next one.”

Saka has enjoyed a sparkling season for Arsenal, and his form has helped fire the north London side to the summit of the Premier League.

The England international has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists for his club this season, with 12 of those goals coming in the Premier League.

He has scored two of his three penalties this season, the first a winner against Liverpool last October and the second during the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in February.

Arsenal are next in action against Southampton on Friday night.

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(Photo: Getty Images)

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Patria Henriques

Update: 2024-05-24