Arsenal gears up for a pivotal Premier League showdown vs Everton on Saturday. Mikel Arteta is grappling with a tantalizing tactical dilemma. The Gunners, rest on top of the table with a slender lead, could slip to second if Manchester City triumph earlier in the day. At the epicenter of this problem is star winger Bukayo Saka.
Arteta’s Right-Wing Riddle
Bukayo Saka has been nothing short of spectacular. The 23-year-old has already scored 10 goals and recorded 11 assists in 18 matches this season. However, Arsenal has scooped Madueke who has been bought at a cost of £52 million. He has blazed a trail with clinical finishing in front of the goal scoring four in his past 5 games. Richards encourages Arteta to use both and maybe put Madueke on the left side so as to ease the over dependency on the creativity of Saka by Arsenal.
"Bukayo Saka is definitely part of the conversation of being the best right-winger in Europe" 💬
As talks progress between Bukayo Saka and Arsenal over a new contract, how influential is the 24-year-old to Mikel Arteta's side? 🔴 pic.twitter.com/fX92UM0ShY
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 20, 2025
Madueke’s Meteoric Rise
The 23-year-old England international has adapted seamlessly since his August switch, earning praisses for his pace and end product. His recent brace against Club Brugge underscored his threat, forcing Arteta to rethink his pecking order. “You need them both on the pitch,” Richards added, highlighting the luxury of depth that could propel Arsenal’s title charge. However, Saka’s endurance concerns linger, with fatigue a real risk in a congested festive schedule.
When Arsenal need a moment, it’s always Bukayo Saka to make it happen.
Twice against Wolves last night and against Chelsea, Sunderland and Fulham already this season.
He lead the team out as captain and he lead on the pitch when Arsenal needed a goal.
Bukayo Saka. That’s it. pic.twitter.com/DJm9MHeY2B
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) December 14, 2025
Balancing Act for Title Aspirations
A brave looking Everton side vs Saka’s own woes in Arsenal seems very intense. However, they would be happy to see Saka on the pitch. Moreover, it would perhaps keep him until it comes to fish in bigger waters, such as Manchester City. However, removing the fan favorite will cause a drop in morale and imbalance in tactics. This choice made by Arteta may determine the shape of winter of this season in Arsenal, who will have to go through AFCON absences and cup ties.
As featured on GoonerNews.com