Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka, calling the 24-year-old "special" and admitting Arsenal are "lucky" to have a player who consistently delivers under pressure. As the Gunners push for both Premier League and Champions League glory, Saka's return to form could not have come at a better time.

After shaking off recent injury setbacks, the England international has wasted no time making his presence felt. With a goal and an assist against Fulham during the tense title run-in, followed by a decisive winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg, Saka has proven he thrives when the stakes are highest. His 19 goal contributions this season tell the story of a player who has become the heartbeat of this Arsenal side.

"Obviously his role has grown around the club, around the team, and on the pitch," Arteta said ahead of Sunday's crucial clash with West Ham United. "You sense that. He has got a presence now, he has got an aura. He has got something special."

The Arsenal boss went on to describe Saka as a game-changer, a player opponents now fear. "He is a different player, he is a player that can change a game at any moment. And creating that fear in the opponent is something important."

Arteta also revealed the conversation he had with Saka during his injury layoff, turning a potential negative into a positive. "We would have loved to have him much more in recent weeks. But I said to him, 'if that's the case, let's use this in the best way — which is you are going to jump in fresh, motivated and with a different emotional state. You can really impact the team now'."

With Arsenal just three wins away from securing the Premier League title and a Champions League final in Budapest on the horizon, every game is a must-win. Sunday's trip to West Ham represents arguably the toughest remaining league fixture. The Hammers are fighting for their Premier League survival, making them a dangerous opponent, but Arteta is confident his side can handle the pressure.

For fans, seeing Saka back to his best is a reminder of why he's the player everyone looks to in the big moments. Whether you're watching from the stands or gearing up for match day in your favorite Arsenal kit, one thing is clear: when the game is on the line, Saka is the man to lean on.