Mikel Arteta praises Saka for how he handled missing the penalty

Mikel Arteta has expressed immense pride in Bukayo Saka for the composure he displayed following a missed penalty against Real Madrid.

During the high-pressure Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Saka had an early opportunity to give Arsenal the lead. Opting for a panenka-style penalty, his attempt was comfortably saved by Thibaut Courtois. While such a miss could have unsettled many players, particularly at this stage of the competition, Saka demonstrated remarkable mental strength.

The young attacker went on to open the scoring for Arsenal later in the match, contributing significantly to what proved to be a hard-fought victory in Spain. Despite the early setback, Saka maintained his focus and delivered a composed and influential performance throughout the evening.

Missing a penalty, especially in a match of such magnitude, can often affect a player’s confidence. However, Saka’s response highlighted his maturity and strong character, qualities that have become hallmarks of his game.

Following the match, Mikel Arteta was asked about Saka’s reaction and attitude. As cited by Arsenal Media, the manager remarked:

“I can go on and on with individuals and a lot of different cases, I will answer in that same way. With Bukayo, he stepped up, he didn’t score, obviously, that could be a turning point emotionally in the game because it gives him a lot of belief. But then the way he handled the situation, the way he played afterwards, and the personality that he showed at his age. It’s the first time he’s played in this stadium, it’s incredible.”

Saka’s ability to recover and perform at a high level in such a challenging environment reinforces his reputation as a mentally strong and dependable player. His mindset and resilience continue to be invaluable assets for Arsenal, and performances like this further cement the belief that he can be trusted to deliver on the biggest stages.