Bukayo Saka celebrated a landmark 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal by scoring from the penalty spot in Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. The England winger's penalty was awarded after El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Jurrien Timber, helping Arsenal secure their fourth consecutive win across all competitions.
The milestone appearance brought Saka's remarkable goal contributions tally to exactly 100 in the Premier League, comprising 55 goals and 45 assists. Saka followed Thierry Henry as the only Arsenal players to score on their 200th Premier League appearances for the club. The achievement came on a significant day for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta becoming only the sixth manager in the club's history to take charge of 300 games.
Henry's mentorship message
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry sent Saka a heartfelt congratulatory message on social media following the milestone. "From the academy to the Emirates. From your debut to 200 PL games, with 55 goals and 45 assists," Henry wrote on Instagram. "Keep on moving Bukayo. So proud of you."
Saka revealed that Henry had also contacted him on the morning of the match, continuing their regular communication. "Thierry always messages me," Saka said. "He messaged me this morning as well to remind me we lost the last two games to West Ham at home."
The 23-year-old praised Henry's ongoing encouragement and motivation. "He is always pushing me and I think he wants me there with him. It is nice to have that encouragement from him and of course me, I want it as well."
Injury concerns overshadow victory
The win was overshadowed by injury concerns for captain Martin Ødegaard, who became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three successive matches. His troublesome shoulder injury has now been followed by a potentially worrying knee problem.
Declan Rice will also need assessment before England duty after going off with a knock, despite scoring his first goal of the season against his former club West Ham. Both players face fitness tests ahead of international commitments.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal moved top of the Premier League table for the first time this season following the West Ham victory. The result strengthens Arsenal's position in the early title race.
Looking ahead
Saka expressed his ambitions beyond individual milestones. "I'm really happy on these records. I'm just going to keep pushing and try and get some team trophies, which is what we have been searching for," he said.
Arteta described Saka's achievements as "unbelievable" and "really impressive." Saka himself reflected: "Obviously 200 games for Arsenal in the Premier League is a really big moment. I'm going to enjoy it and it was nice to get the goal as well and the win."
Sources used: "The Standard", "Evening Standard", "mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
