Arteta Ponders Saka Position Change Following Wigan Triumph
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Bukayo Saka could be deployed in central midfield more frequently after the England international excelled in an unfamiliar role during the Gunners' emphatic 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic. Saka, typically a right winger, was a late addition to the starting lineup and operated in a more central position, delivering a performance that has given Arteta significant food for thought.
Late Tactical Switch Yields Immediate Dividends
The tactical experiment was prompted by a last-minute injury to defender Riccardo Calafiori during the warm-up, forcing Arteta to abandon his original plan to start Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield. Instead, Saka was brought into the side and positioned centrally, where he combined effectively with right-winger Noni Madueke. Arsenal scored four goals within a blistering sixteen-minute first-half spell to secure their passage to the fifth round of the competition.
Eberechi Eze provided through balls for Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli to score, before Saka's dangerous cross forced an own goal from Wigan's Jack Hunt. Gabriel Jesus added a fourth goal to complete a comfortable and dominant victory for the North London club.
Arteta Praises Saka's Versatility and Impact
"That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future," Arteta stated post-match. "There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in this season, and that’s a possibility that we have." The Spanish coach elaborated on the strategic benefits of deploying Saka in a more central role, highlighting his proximity to goal and ability to interchange positions with wide players.
"Well, he's more central, he's closer to the goal. It's a bit more difficult for the opponent to get his reference constantly. He can interchange positions with a wide player as well, and he’s so good at picking those spaces. When he’s there, he can really hurt you with the ball," Arteta explained. He also commended Saka's professionalism and adaptability, noting the player was informed of the positional change extremely late but executed the role effectively.
Pundits and Former Players Impressed by Experiment
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, providing analysis for TNT Sports, was particularly impressed by Saka's display in the role usually occupied by captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the match due to injury. "It’s interesting because Saka has played in the Odegaard role, obviously a last-minute change, and it’s really opened him up," Keown observed. "It’s been good for his confidence. He’s playing with freedom, and it was a really good ball. Both of them (Saka and Madueke), that’s England’s right-hand side, both playing there together at the same time. Too much for Wigan."
Arteta substituted Saka at half-time to manage the player's minutes, but the brief experiment has clearly left a lasting impression. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts this season, the manager now views Saka's versatility as a valuable tactical option that could be utilised in various competitions and match scenarios moving forward.
