Bukayo Saka has humorously blamed Arsenal teammate Kai Havertz for denying him what would have been his first senior hat-trick.
The England international delivered another match-winning performance for the Gunners during their Champions League clash with Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka scored twice in the match to help Mikel Arteta’s side secure a 3-0 victory.
Late in the game, he had a chance to complete his hat-trick with a shot towards goal in the 88th minute.
While Monaco’s goalkeeper appeared to have it covered, Havertz inadvertently deflected the ball into the net, sealing the win for Arsenal.
Reflecting on missing out on the treble, Saka – who still ended the night with three goal contributions – jokingly commented to reporters afterwards: “He [Havertz] got in the way of it, but don’t worry, it’s [a hat trick] coming. It’s on the way.”
Saka’s performances have firmly established him as a key figure for both club and country. When asked if the 23-year-old is now in the “world-class” category, Mikel Arteta responded: “You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to put yourself in that position.
“We can compare what he’s done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional, you know, and that’s it and his aim is to improve.
“He has the players and environment to continue to do that and I’m sure he will.”
Arsenal, who have fallen just short in Premier League title races in recent seasons, will return to domestic action on Saturday, hosting Everton.
Saka, meanwhile, appears determined to secure his first career hat-trick before the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
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