Saka sends Premier League rivals title warning as Arsenal storm to first with Brighton win

Robin Bairner

• 6 Apr 2024 20:17 BST
• 4 min read

After helping Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Brighton, Bukayo Saka sent Liverpool and Manchester City a Premier League title warning.

Saka was an injury doubt prior to kick off but made the starting XI and opened the scoring with a well-executed penalty in the first half. Following the winger’s opener, strikes came from Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the second half to seal a comfortable win at a tricky venue.

Arsenal also leapt to the top of the Premier League table prior to Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

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Saka has said that after collapsing late last season, Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to go all the way in a stark warning to the Gunners’ title rivals.

Asked if Gooners should be thrilled to see their team top of the league, Saka told TNT Sports: “Of course they should be getting excited. We’re in a great position.

“We’re all buzzing. We know the win takes us back on top. To come here and win after playing three days ago, I’m really happy and we’re building momentum.”

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He added that it is the club’s defensive improvement that is playing a leading role in their title push, hinting that William Saliba’s absence from the run in 12 months ago had a role to play in their form at that time.

“Last season, it wasn’t great. It’s not great to think about it. But we learned our lesson. Games like this, we need to put to bed,” Saka said.

“We’re defending so well, getting clean sheets. Last season, we weren’t, we were conceding late goals and then the fans are on top of us. This year, we feel more comfortable and I feel we’re ready to win each game.”

Saka injury update

Saka was asked if it was touch and go for him to play after missing out in midweek, and he admitted that he had to fight to make the game.

“I was struggling but as long as I’ve got two legs I’m going to give everything and I just want to be on the pitch,” he said.

Saka and Arsenal are back in action in midweek, this time in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.