Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has described the pain of narrowly missing out on the Premier League title for two consecutive seasons as “horrible.”
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The Gunners, who finished runners-up to Manchester City in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, are once again in the thick of the title race this season.
Arsenal’s last Premier League triumph was 20 years ago under the legendary Arsène Wenger, but Saka is determined to end the drought.
This season, the 2024-25 title battle is fiercer than ever, with Liverpool and Chelsea joining Arsenal and Manchester City in contention.
After 16 matches, Arsenal sit third in the league table, six points behind leaders Liverpool and trailing second-placed Chelsea.
Reflecting on the past near-misses, Saka told the BBC, “It’s horrible, I’ll be honest. It’s just that extra fuel and motivation for me. I want to get it over the line this season and lift the trophy.
“You work all season, you’re so close, with one hand on the trophy, and then you lose it. It’s like all that effort and nothing to show for it. While you can be proud of the progress, it’s even more motivation to take the next step and win.”
Arsenal have faltered recently, dropping points in their last two Premier League games following draws with Everton and Fulham.
However, Saka remains confident in the team’s ability to rise to the challenge, especially ahead of their crucial clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
“The last two seasons, we’ve been right there, competing for the league,” Saka added. “Now we’re back in the Champions League, gaining experience at that level. We feel ready to compete for every trophy this season.
“We really want to take that next step and try to win something.”
With the Premier League title race heating up, Arsenal fans will be hoping Saka’s determination drives the team to finally reclaim the coveted trophy.
