Bukayo Saka issues five-word Arsenal rallying cry ahead of crucial North London derby

The international break has come at a frustrating time for Arsenal, who will be eager to make amends after dropping points to Brighton.

Mikel Arteta watched on at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as his side were forced to settle for a draw against the Seagulls.

A first-half goal from Kai Havertz wasn’t enough to win the game as the visitors struck back through Joao Pedro although, the goals weren’t the main talking point from the fixture.

Declan Rice was sent off for the first time in his Premier League career, receiving two yellow cards with the decisive second coming in controversial circumstances.

The midfielder will now be suspended for Arsenal’s trip across North London after the international break, missing their best midfielder against Spurs.

Bukayo Saka issues North London derby rallying cry

Arteta was furious about Rice’s red card, with Saka sharing a similar opinion to his manager when commenting on the match-defining moment.

Aside from opening up on his thoughts about going down to 10 men, the winger issued a strong promise to fans ahead of the highly anticipated North London derby.

When asked if Arsenal would be ready to face Spurs after the international break after dropping points to Brighton, Saka responded with certainty.

“We’ll be ready for that,” Saka said without hesitation, clearly motivated ahead of the trip to N17 that comes straight after the break.

The Englishman will be hoping for a similar experience at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as last season, where he scored and assisted against his boyhood club’s rivals.

Saka reflects on frustrating afternoon against Brighton

Prior to his assured comment on the North London derby, Saka was quizzed on his thoughts on the 1-1 draw at the Emirates against the Seagulls.

The Hale End graduate, who was wearing the armband at the end of the game, admitted to TNT Sports that it was “difficult” for his side to battle with a man short.

“It was difficult for us to go down to 10 men, we did show good fighting spirit but when we have the game, we have to finish it off, especially in the first half.”

Despite being only three games into the Premier League season, a lot will be said about the Gunners dropping points with reference to the title race, a topic that Saka addressed.

“We’ve been ahead [in the title race] and lost it so, it’s a long season, I’m not worried.”

Shedding some positivity on the draw, Arsenal’s number seven shared his delight at playing with Havertz, whom he set up expertly to open the scoring.

“I really enjoy playing with him,” Saka explained.

“He’s a nine that has some great movement, always in behind defenders and he’s always in the box so I try and look for him a lot, he’s on fire.”

There is hope that Arsenal will come back from the international break ready to go to war with Spurs and if Saka’s preview of the game is anything to go by, then the Gunners are more than ready for the challenge.