Arsenal take on Wolverhampton in the Premier League on Wednesday. (GETTY, VictoryOwai/X)
Arsenal take on Wolverhampton in the Premier League on Wednesday. (GETTY, VictoryOwai/X)
Fans reacted to Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka starting at No. 10 in the Premier League clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday (February 18). The Gunners are atop the standings while Wolves are rock-bottom.
Saka, 24, started at No. 10 in the 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win at home to Wigan Athletic at the weekend but didn't provide a goal contribution as the Gunners ran riot against the League One strugglers.
Arteta said about Saka's interest in playing as a No. 10 in his pre-game presser (as per the Gunners' website):
"I think he does, and everything that brings a challenge to him. Anything where he needs to prove something, that ticks something in him, and I think that’s a positive."
However, fans aren't enthused with Saka not playing at his usual right wing position as Arteta continued his tactical shift:
"Saka at 10? Does Arteta thinks this is Wigan? This man is throwing away the league," one tweeted.
"Saka @ the #10 again is definitely interesting," another commented.
"That's a disastrous lineup by my gaffer. You're trying out Saka in the midfield for a must win game?," observed one.
"Saka CAM wowzers, didn't see that coming," posted one.
Saka has seven goals and as many assists in 33 outings across competitions this season. Four of those goals and five assists have come in 22 outings in the Premier League, where the Gunners are four points clear at the top with 12 games remaining.
"I sense the team is in a really good emotional state" - Arsenal boss previews Wolves trip
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta exuded confidence in his side's mental and emotional state as they remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple after reaching the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend.
Ahead of the Premier League trip to the Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Gunners boss harped on the importance of wins in the title race at the business end of the season (as per the club's website):
"Well, I think understanding the difficulty of the match is always there in any game in the Premier League but when you come to the last stages of the season you know the importance of every win and what you have to do.
"I sense the team is in a really good emotional state, really looking forward to playing tomorrow and that's why. Play with that energy, that confidence and I'm sure we'll continue to do what we've done.
Arsenal are also into the EFL Cup final, where they face Manchester City next month, while they have also reached the UEFA Champions League knockouts after topping the league phase.