Arteta Feels Saka's Presence Might Aid Arsenal in Premier League Pursuit

Arsenal face West Ham at the London Stadium this Sunday afternoon in a match vital for both the championship battle at the summit and the survival fight at the base. 

Arsenal's advantage of five points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings shrank to two points following the Citizens' 3-0 win against Brentford on Saturday, intensifying the scrutiny on Arteta's squad. 

Securing all three points is essential for Arsenal, and prior to the fixture, Arteta highlighted Saka's potential to significantly influence their championship hopes. 

His influence has expanded within the club, the squad, and on the field against rivals too. It is noticeable. He possesses a presence now, an aura. There is something unique about him. 

He is not the same player anymore, he is someone who can alter a match at any instant. Instilling that dread in the opposition holds great value. 

We truly wished for his greater involvement in the past few weeks. Yet, I told him: If circumstances are such, let us make the most of it, you will enter fresh, eager, and in a renewed mindset. You can genuinely make a difference for the team right now. 

Saka netted the winning strike in Tuesday's 1-0 triumph over Atletico during the second leg of their Champions League semi-final and may guide the team again with attention shifting to the encounter with West Ham.