Arsenal FC: Mikel Arteta hints at permanent shift for Bukayo Saka's position
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal FC, has hinted at a potential permanent shift in Bukayo Saka's position following his impressive performance against Wigan. Instead of playing on the wing, Saka started in midfield as the right No8, and his impact was immediate. He contributed to Arsenal's fluid attack, scoring all four goals in their 4-0 win within the first half hour of the game.
Arteta's decision to experiment with Saka's position was influenced by a late problem to Calafiori, but it was also an opportunity he had been seeking. The manager expressed his openness to this change, stating, 'Yeah, that's something that's a possibility, and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future.'
When asked about the benefits of playing Saka in a central position, Arteta highlighted his proximity to the goal and the difficulty it poses for opponents to consistently mark him. He also noted that Saka can interchange positions with wide players and excel at finding spaces. According to Arteta, 'When he's there, he can really hurt you with the ball.'
The Arsenal side showcased plenty of rotation against their League One opposition. Gabriel Martinelli moved inside as Gabriel Jesus drifted out to the left, while Saka had the freedom to go wide, creating space for Noni Madueke. Despite easing off in the final hour, Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges, even surprising Arteta himself.
Arteta admitted, 'I was a bit surprised with the level of cohesion and connections very early in the match because when you make that many changes, that can be a part of the game that can be lacking.' However, he was pleased with the team's performance, praising their ability to score 'very, very good goals.'
This development raises questions about the future of Saka's position. Will this shift become permanent? The football world awaits further insights from Arteta and the team's upcoming performances to determine the fate of this tactical adjustment.
