The air in north London crackles with renewed belief. Bukayo Saka is back, and Emmanuel Petit believes his return could be the spark that ignites Arsenal's quest for an unforgettable double.
Saka's season has been a frustrating puzzle of injuries and interrupted rhythm. An Achilles problem sidelined him for a month, his third separate setback, forcing him to miss five matches as Arsenal's campaign wobbled dangerously.
But against Newcastle, he stepped off the bench and made the Emirates roar. Against Atletico Madrid, he found himself in the perfect place at the perfect moment, scoring the goal that punched Arsenal's ticket to the Champions League final.
"Viktor Gyokeres was missing Bukayo Saka," Petit wrote. "Martin Odegaard spent long periods on the bench. Can you imagine where Arsenal would've been if those players had been fit all season?"
Petit sees a man reborn. "He's mentally and physically fresh. He's got life in his legs. Arteta is managing him carefully because you cannot take any risks."
The former Gunner refuses to hide his confidence. "I was always confident Arsenal would win the Premier League. Even after losing at City and dropping a nine-point lead, I knew those guys were going to come back."
Arsenal hold a five-point advantage with four games to play. City slipped at Everton, and Petit sees more hurdles for Guardiola's side. "They play Bournemouth, Brighton, Aston Villa. I wish City good luck—but I see Arsenal winning the league."
What about the Champions League? Petit doesn't flinch. "I'll take both. But if I have to choose, the Premier League first." He dismisses the critics who moan about Arsenal's style. "Who cares how they reached the final? History remembers trophies, not the noise."
Petit knows the Gunners will be underdogs against PSG. "They play explosive attacking football. Arsenal play tactically, defensively. But if they play their game, they have a real chance."
And Viktor Gyokeres? "He's not the most gifted striker. But he gives 100 percent every time. He's been a nightmare for defenders—running channels, holding up the ball."
The stage is set. Saka is back, the title race is tight, and a Champions League final awaits. Arsenal's history is being written right now—and the pen is in Saka's hands.
