Mikel Arteta has hinted that Bukayo Saka could feature more often in a central role following Arsenal FC’s emphatic 4–0 FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka was a late addition to the starting line-up after Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury during the warm-up. The reshuffle saw Myles Lewis-Skelly slot in at left-back, while Saka operated centrally behind Gabriel Jesus, with Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke providing width.
Tactical Flexibility on Display
Despite the late change, Arsenal settled quickly into their rhythm. Eberechi Eze set the tone with two early assists, before Jack Hunt turned the ball into his own net. Jesus added a fourth inside 30 minutes, effectively sealing progression to the fifth round.
Saka played a key role in the build-up to the third goal and was substituted at half-time, with Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in mind.
When asked whether Saka’s central role could become a more permanent option, Arteta said:
“Yeah, that’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it. We might use it in the future.
There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play from now until the end of the season.
That’s a possibility that we have.”
Managing Injuries and Squad Fitness
The comfortable win was slightly overshadowed by fitness concerns. Calafiori was ruled out before kick-off, while Ben White was forced off late in the match.
Captain Martin Odegaard also missed the tie after picking up a knock in the midweek draw with Brentford FC.
With fixtures piling up across competitions, Arteta may continue to rotate and experiment as Arsenal push on in both domestic and European campaigns.
