Martin Keown on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Martin Keown on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Arsenal legend Martin Keown shared his thoughts on Bukayo Saka's performance as a No. 10 against Wigan Athletic on Sunday. He praised the winger, saying that he and Noni Madueke combined well against the League One side.
The Gunners hosted Wigan at the Emirates in the FA Cup Fourth Round on Sunday. Saka was set to start on the bench, but after an injury to Riccardo Calafiori in the warm-up, Mikel Arteta put him in the starting XI. The Englishman played as a No. 10, with Madueke on the right wing.
Saka played just one half against Wigan. He completed 25/26 passes, making one key pass, attempted two shots, completed 2/3 dribble attempts, and won 6/7 duels (via SofaScore). After the game, Martin Keown said on TNT Sports (h/t Arsenal Insider):
“It’s interesting because Saka has played in the Odegaard role, obviously a last-minute change, and it’s really opened him up. It’s been good for his confidence. He’s playing with freedom, and it was a really good ball. Both of them (Saka and Madueke), that’s England’s right-hand side, both playing there together at the same time. Too much for Wigan.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, won 4-0, courtesy of goals from Noni Madueke (11'), Gabriel Martinelli (19'), Jack Hunt og (23'), and Gabriel Jesus (27').
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opens up on Bukayo Saka's performance as a No. 10
After the comfortable win over Wigan, Mikel Arteta spoke about playing Bukayo Saka in a central position. He said that it allows them to play differently in multiple competitions, adding that the Englishman offers a great threat to the opposition.
Arteta said in his post-match press conference:
"That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future. There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in this season, and that’s a possibility that we have."
"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. When he’s there, he can really hurt you with the ball," he added.
Saka, 24, has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 33 games across competitions for Arsenal this season.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers away in the Premier League on Wednesday. They will then face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday, February 22.