Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka believes there needs to be a balance on passion and tactics against Manchester United this afternoon.
The Gunners have made a perfect start to the Premier League season, winning all five of their opening league fixtures against Crystal Palace, Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta's side could be four points clear at the top of the table with a win over United after Manchester City dropped points for a second time this season yesterday.
Arsenal added five new players to their squad this summer but failed to secure a deal for Douglas Luiz on Deadline Day with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both injured, leaving Arteta's midfield options a bit light. Saka is confident of signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and insists a win over United will give the Gunners more confidence heading further into the season.
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Speaking ahead of the huge clash against Erik ten Hag's side, the 20-year-old urged his teammates to show more passion than the opposition, via the Express. Saka said: "Beating United would be a very big thing, because they are a quality team and in good form right now.
"If we can go there and win it will give us a lot of confidence going forward. It’s a special rivalry. I’ve seen the games from before, with the big tackles and the fighting. In games like this it has to be a balance between tactics and passion.
"Passion is really important. You can’t let the other team have more than you because then things get difficult.
"We’re in a good place right now. The next step for us it to try to bring some trophies, win more big games and play at the highest level."
Saka has recorded two assists in the opening five games of the season and will be hoping he can enjoy another impressive season at the Emirates Stadium, with the aim of securing Champions League football being a priority. United club legend Wayne Rooney has lauded Arteta's influence at Arsenal, with the manager having a big impact on the 20-year-old's development in the past few years.
Rooney said: "I really admire what Arteta is doing. He now has not just quality but energy in his side and recruited brilliantly when he signed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
"If you sit in a mid block or low block and are passive against a side who move the ball as quickly and well as Mikel Arteta’s team do, it’s a recipe for trouble. I expect a tense, hard game, a bit like the old days - though maybe not quite as much action in the tunnel."
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