Arsenal supporters have heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after he became the youngest player in more than 40 years to reach 50 goals for Arsenal.

William Saliba gave the Gunners the lead against West Ham, and once the floodgates had been opened Mikel Arteta’s side were relentless in front of goal.

Saka reached the milestone from the penalty spot on 41 minutes before Gabriel and Leandro Trossard made it 4-0 at the interval.

Despite such an emphatic victory, Saka reflected after the game that Arsenal could have had more if they had been more clinical. 

Fans praised Bukayo Saka’s mentality after he reached 50 Arsenal goals as the club defeated West Ham

22-year-old reached the half-century mark with his first-half penalty at the London Stadium

‘We were four nil up in the first half and could have scored many more, including myself. I think today we smelled blood, we went for the kill. 

‘We did really well to score more. I’m really happy to achieve that (50 Arsenal goals). But I’m not sure I can be happy today. 

‘I missed some chances I thought I could have scored. It’s a great achievement. I’m proud of that.’

After the game, Arsenal fans pointed to Saka’s frustration at failing to convert even more chances in the victory as evidence of the England international’s relentless mindset.

One supporter wrote: ‘Bukayo Saka scored a brace which took him to both 50 goals and a total of 100 goal contributions for Arsenal but he’s still unsatisfied because he missed a clear chance in the beginning. Elite mentality honestly.’

Another agreed: ‘Bless the guy for not realising he has reached half a century of goals, but at the same time, being a bit annoyed he didn’t score more is elite. 

‘I hope he gets to celebrate that though, cos reaching that at this age as winger isn’t easy.’

A further fan noted how Saka was seemingly completely completely unaware he had passed the landmark with his two goals in the game: ‘I love Saka’s reaction to realising he has now scored 50 goals for Arsenal.’

Another added: ‘God Saka looked so happy and emotional when he was told he’s scored 50 goals for Arsenal. He loves the club. I love him. My heart.’ 

Gunners fans shared their admiration for the academy graduate after he realised he had surpassed the milestone in his post-match interview

In netting his 50th goal for the Gunners, Saka became the youngest player since Frank Stapleford to achieve such a milestone for the Gunners.

Stapleford spent seven years in North London after joining the club as an apprentice in 1974, making 225 appearances and scoring 75 times during his time at the club.

Fans will hope Saka doesn’t follow the Irish forward’s career trajectory too closely however, as Stapleford left Arsenal in 1981 to join Manchester United.