Mikel Arteta sends message to Bukayo Saka after West Ham draw

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has leaped to the defence of Bukayo Saka following his penalty miss against West Ham United.

The Gunners went 2-0 ahead against the Hammers after just 10 minutes but conceded a costly penalty goal before the break.

In the second half, the club had the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot but Saka slashed his effort wide off the mark.

Moments later, the Hammers pulled level through Jarrod Bowen and they could have easily won the game on another day.

Michail Antonio missed a couple of brilliant chances to find the back of the net and the Gunners were lucky to draw in the end.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was sympathetic with Saka after his missed penalty contributed to another frustrating stalemate.

He said: "For sure. And you have to be one player to do it. He has to be then, it was a crucial moment. We missed it and this is football."