Bukayo Saka says Arsenal are staying humble in their pursuit of silverware, but recent near-misses have given the squad a clear sense of purpose as they look to put things right.
The Gunners head into the end of March still competing on four fronts, with a chance to claim the first piece of silverware tomorrow at Wembley when they face Manchester City in the League Cup final.
It is the first time in 66 years that the sides sitting first and second in the Premier League have met in the competition’s final. There is added intrigue too, with Mikel Arteta taking on his former mentor Pep Guardiola, whose work at the Etihad has helped shape Arsenal’s own rise.
It may be the League Cup, but the occasion carries weight. A win would offer a tangible reward for the progress made and could act as a springboard for what lies ahead.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Paul Merson, who scored in Arsenal’s last League Cup triumph in 1993, Saka reflected on finishing behind City in recent seasons.
“Trust me, we have that memory. And listen, we finished second three times in a row, everyone knows that. But for us, I just feel this year we have such a strong belief that we can do it.
“We have the quality, we have a great squad. I think that mix is what’s making me believe. But obviously, at the same time, we haven’t achieved anything yet.
“You know, we’re close, but we haven’t done it yet. So we’re just staying humble, staying grounded. We’re letting people speak and taking it game by game starting Sunday. Let’s go for it.”
The mood in the camp appears positive. After a wobble in February, the players have responded well in March, picking up results that have opened a nine-point lead in the Premier League and secured progress in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
“The lads are chill, but obviously at the same time, it’s the run-in,” said Saka.
“It’s the most important part of the season where trophies are won. It’s big games, and there’s more on the line, but I feel like everyone’s dealing with it well. We’re just going game by game.”
In recent weeks, familiar debates have resurfaced. Questions around Arsenal’s style of play, their use of set pieces and the ‘dark arts’ continue to bubble away in the background.
“I think we’ve become good at blocking outside noise,” said Saka, “because the last few years, whether we’ve won or not, people have had a lot to say, especially about Arsenal and about us and how we play and set pieces, etc.
“So it’s numb to us now. We just want to get the job done.
“It would mean everything to me [winning on Sunday]. It would be another dream ticked off for myself.
“When I signed my contract the other day, and I did an interview, I said, obviously, I wanted to win everything with this club.
“That would be one step closer to doing that. So, yeah, it would be a step in the right direction. And yeah, by God’s grace, we’ll do it.”