Bukayo Saka savours Arsenal's big win after gruelling week

Bukayo Saka savours Arsenal's big win after gruelling week

Bukayo Saka has hailed Arsenal's character after helping them secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Sunderland to complete a demanding week with three important wins.

Arsenal had already beaten Chelsea in the Premier League and Napoli away in their Champions League opener before travelling north to face Sunderland just 72 hours after their trip to Italy.

Saka said the victory showed the strength of Arsenal's squad, with key contributions coming from both the starting XI and the substitutes.

"It's been since the start of the season," Saka said. "This is a really, really big win. I enjoyed it a lot - it was tough, but a big moment with David, big moment with Bruno that really changed the game and helped us win."

He was particularly pleased with the impact of Bruno, whose goal proved to be a crucial moment in the contest.

"The goal was amazing. The way it went in, I enjoyed it, the celebrations, everything. It was a massive moment, a great moment for him, and he deserves it - he's a top guy," Saka added.

The England winger then put the result beyond doubt by converting a late penalty in stoppage time.

The goal was Saka's third of the season and his 84th for Arsenal, moving him level with club great Robert Pires, who also wore the famous No. 7 shirt.

"I enjoy hearing those milestones," Saka said. "So I'm happy! I was pleased to get that goal at the end, I'm very happy!"

The victory completed an exhausting spell for Arsenal, who had to cope with domestic and European football, as well as significant travelling.

"It's been a massive week for us," Saka said. "There has been a lot of travelling, people don't understand behind the scenes how it's been, but I'm really happy with how we've managed this and to get three wins, three tough, tough games - it's amazing for us.

"So credit to the team, the staff, all of us. We need to keep going - it doesn't stop."

Arsenal now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Ipswich Town next up in the third round on Tuesday.

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