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Arsenal cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a dominant victory over Wigan, a result that saw manager Mikel Arteta experiment with a new role for star winger Bukayo Saka. The Gunners secured a comprehensive 4-0 win, fueled by goals from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and a Jack Hunt own goal, but it was Arteta’s tactical shift with Saka that drew significant post-match attention.
Saka, typically deployed on the wing, started on the bench due to a late injury to Riccardo Calafiori during the warm-up. When he entered the match, however, Arteta surprisingly positioned him as a No. 8 – a central midfield role – rather than reverting to his familiar wide position. The move proved effective, contributing to Arsenal’s blistering start that saw them race to a four-goal lead within the first 30 minutes.
Arteta, speaking after the match, revealed that deploying Saka centrally was a deliberate decision he had been considering for some time. That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future,
he told reporters. Notice still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in this season, and that’s a possibility that we have.
The Arsenal manager expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, particularly the team’s immediate cohesion despite the changes to the starting lineup.
The speed with which Arsenal established control in the match surprised Arteta. 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. But it certainly wasn’t [for us] and we scored some very, very good goals. I’m very pleased with that,
he said. The emphatic win underscores Arsenal’s continued strength across multiple competitions this season.
Arteta elaborated on the benefits of playing Saka in a more central position, highlighting the tactical advantages it provides. 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,
Arteta explained. This suggests that Saka’s ability to find space and operate in tight areas makes him a valuable asset in a more congested part of the pitch.
The FA Cup victory comes at a busy time for Arsenal, who are competing on multiple fronts. Arteta’s willingness to experiment with Saka’s positioning demonstrates a proactive approach to tactical flexibility, potentially offering a new dimension to Arsenal’s attacking play. The ability to seamlessly transition Saka between roles could prove crucial as the season progresses and Arsenal navigate a demanding schedule.
While the win over Wigan was comfortable, Arteta also provided an update on the fitness of Calafiori and Ben White, who both picked up knocks. Him and Ben [White] are the only doubts. We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop,
he stated. Their availability will be closely monitored as Arsenal prepares for their upcoming fixtures.
Arteta also took the opportunity to praise goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who was brought on during the match. I think everybody has to feel that he’s got a chance, and if there are players, one of them would be Tommy for his attitude and the way he helps everybody every single day. So if we have a chance to play him in some minutes, we have to try to do it. I think he was very happy,
Arteta said, highlighting the importance of squad morale and providing opportunities for all players.
The decisive victory over Wigan not only propels Arsenal into the FA Cup fifth round but also provides a glimpse into Arteta’s evolving tactical thinking. The successful deployment of Saka in a central role opens up new possibilities for Arsenal’s attack and demonstrates the manager’s commitment to maximizing the potential of his squad. As Arsenal continue to compete on multiple fronts, this tactical flexibility could prove to be a key asset in their pursuit of silverware.
