Could Mikel Arteta Be Shifting a Key Arsenal Star's Role After Wigan Victory?

Arsenal's emphatic 4-0 victory against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup has opened the door for manager Mikel Arteta to potentially utilise Bukayo Saka in a more central role moving forward. Following a last-minute tactical shift caused by an injury to Riccardo Calafiori, Saka demonstrated his versatility and importance to the team, contributing significantly to the win.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Arsenal's recent performance against Wigan has sparked discussions about tactical flexibility and player roles within the squad. With injuries affecting key players like Martin Ødegaard and Ben White, Arteta's decision to adapt quickly paid dividends, allowing the team to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in six years. Saka's central positioning could signal a shift in strategy that might benefit the Gunners in the challenging fixtures ahead.

Key takeaways

Arsenal's 4-0 victory secures their place in the FA Cup fifth round.
Mikel Arteta hinted at using Bukayo Saka in a central role in future matches.
Eberechi Eze delivered an impressive performance, assisting two goals.
Injuries to key players could impact Arsenal's squad depth moving forward.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the season, Arsenal has faced various challenges, including injuries and tactical adjustments. Key dates include:

1 September 2023: Transfer deadline day, where Arsenal secured new signings to bolster their squad.
28 September 2023: Arsenal drew 1-1 against Brentford, marking a turning point with Ødegaard's injury.
1 October 2023: Arsenal's emphatic 4-0 win over Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Mikel Arteta expressed the possibility of using Bukayo Saka in a central role following his impactful performance against Wigan. The manager's comments suggest a tactical evolution that could be leveraged in future matches, particularly as the team navigates a busy schedule.

What was already established

Prior to this match, Saka was primarily positioned on the wing. His adaptability to a central role could provide Arsenal with additional attacking options, particularly given the current injury crisis affecting the squad's depth.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Arsenal progresses in the FA Cup, local businesses and fans can expect increased activity surrounding home matches. The club's success can positively impact local economies, particularly if the team continues to advance in cup competitions.

Businesses and jobs

Arsenal's success on the pitch may lead to increased attendance and merchandise sales, benefiting local businesses. However, injuries to key players may complicate the squad's performance, affecting fan engagement and revenue streams in the short term.

Policy and regulation

As the FA Cup progresses, there may be discussions regarding ticket pricing and accessibility, particularly for later rounds. The FA will likely monitor attendance and fan engagement closely to ensure a positive experience for supporters.

Numbers that matter

4: Goals scored by Arsenal in their 4-0 victory against Wigan.
2: Assists provided by Eberechi Eze in the match.
6: Years since Arsenal last reached the FA Cup fifth round.
1: The number of injuries reported during the match, affecting Riccardo Calafiori.
79: The minute Ben White was substituted due to injury.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in men's football, organised by the Football Association.
Assist: A statistic credited to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a goal.
Substituted: When a player is replaced by another player during a match.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Arsenal will need to assess the fitness of its players closely, especially with upcoming fixtures against teams like Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Maintaining momentum from the FA Cup victory will be crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Arteta will need to balance squad rotation to handle potential fatigue and injuries. Exploring tactical options, including Saka's role, will be vital as the team aims for success across multiple competitions.

Signals to watch

Injury updates on key players like Martin Ødegaard and Ben White.
Changes in Arsenal's tactical approach in upcoming matches.
Performance metrics from upcoming fixtures that could influence the team's strategy.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor the injury status of key players to understand potential squad changes.
Follow Arsenal's upcoming fixtures for insights into tactical adjustments.
Engage with local businesses that benefit from matchday activity.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of injuries on team performance.
Ignore the importance of tactical flexibility in a competitive season.
Neglect to support local businesses during match events.

Checklist

Check the fitness of key players before each match.
Review tactical changes made by Arteta in recent games.
Stay updated on ticket availability and match details for upcoming fixtures.
Engage with community events surrounding home matches.
Follow media coverage on Arsenal's progress in the FA Cup.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the victory against Wigan is encouraging, the potential for injuries to key players raises concerns about squad depth. Additionally, changes in tactics must be carefully assessed to ensure they suit the players' strengths and weaknesses. The unpredictability of cup competitions can also lead to unexpected outcomes, making it essential for Arsenal to maintain focus and adaptability.

Bottom line

Arsenal's impressive performance against Wigan shows their potential as they navigate a busy season. With tactical flexibility and the possibility of using Bukayo Saka in a central role, the Gunners could enhance their attacking capabilities. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, maintaining player fitness and cohesion will be crucial to their success.

FAQs

What did Mikel Arteta say about Bukayo Saka's role?

Mikel Arteta confirmed that using Bukayo Saka in a more central role is a possibility for future matches, highlighting his adaptability and importance to the team's strategy.

How did Arsenal perform against Wigan?

Arsenal secured a convincing 4-0 win against Wigan, showcasing their attacking prowess and securing their place in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in six years.

What are the implications of the injuries to key players?

The injuries to players like Martin Ødegaard and Ben White may impact squad depth and performance as Arsenal navigates a busy schedule, necessitating careful management of player fitness.