Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has admitted narrowly missing out on the Premier League title for two seasons in a row has been ‘horrible’.
The Gunners are fighting for the top-flight trophy again this term after finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in 2023-24 and 2022-23.
Arsenal haven’t landed the Premier League trophy for 20 years, when legendary former manager Arsene Wenger was still in charge.
In the current 2024-25 campaign, it is not just a two-horse race between Arsenal and City, with Liverpool and Chelsea also in the mix this season.
After 16 fixtures, Arsenal are third in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, while Chelsea are also above them in second.
Ahead of the next round of games, Saka was asked about missing out on the last two top-flight titles and told the BBC: ‘It’s horrible, I’ll be honest.
‘It’s just that extra fuel for me and extra motivation. I want to get it over the line this season and try to lift the trophy, for sure.
‘You work the whole season and you’re so close, you’ve literally got one hand on the trophy, you’re in the final or you’re right there to win the Premier League, or whatever trophy you’re competing for that season, and then you don’t win it.
‘It’s like the whole year’s work and nothing to show for it. I know you can be proud of the season and evolution and development, but that’s why more than ever we want to take the next step and win.’
Arsenal have dropped points in their last two Premier League games, following draws with Everton and Fulham respectively.
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But Saka is adamant that Arsenal are ready to take the ‘next step’ ahead of Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
‘The last two seasons we’ve competed for the league and come very close,’ Saka added.
‘We’re also back in the Champions League, we have some experience there now, so we feel we’re ready to compete for every trophy.
‘We really want to take that next step and try to win something.’