Mikel Arteta Confirms Bukayo Saka Could Continue in New Role

Mikel Arteta was asked about whether Bukayo Saka might continue to play a similar role in the team for Arsenal as he did against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. And the Spaniard gave a very interesting answer in response.

Saka had previously been named among the substitutes for Sunday’s fixture, but an injury to Riccardo Calafiori thrust him back into the starting XI. Myles Lewis-Skelly, originally expected to start in midfield, was pushed back to left-back, leaving the winger to take up an unusual role as the team’s number 10.

Arsenal went on to win the fourth round tie 4-0, with all of their goals coming in the first half. Noni Madueke grabbed their first inside 11 minutes, before Gabriel Martinelli doubled their advantage seven minutes later.

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The game was out of sight just nine minutes later. Jack Hunt turned the ball into his own net for the third goal of the game, and Gabriel Jesus then produced a delightful finish after a long ball from the fantastic Christian Norgaard.

Saka Enjoys Fantastic 45 Minutes in New Position

Despite lining up in unfamiliar territory due to Madueke’s presence on the right, Saka looked comfortable in the centre of the pitch. Arteta only played him for 45 minutes, an attempt to keep him fresh for upcoming league games, but the England international was excellent from a creative standpoint.

Linking play well and looking to drive his team forward, Saka only misplaced one of his passes during the match. It was his cutback that ultimately led to the third goal of the game, as he burst into the penalty area, received the ball from Madueke and attempted to find Jesus.

Dropping into spaces and dragging defenders with him, he managed to draw three fouls from opponents and also only failed to complete one of his dribbles. His highlights from the game have since gone viral on social media, with several supporters loving what they saw from their starboy in a new role.

Check Out Saka’s Highlights Below:

Arteta Gives Telling Answer on Saka Continuing in New Role

Although Arsenal already have Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as options for the number 10 position, both players have been guilty of underperforming at points in 2025/26. And while there are questions over whether Saka might be as effective in the role while facing Premier League opposition, his encouraging showing against Wigan has given rise to speculation about the future.

Arteta was asked about whether supporters could expect to see Saka lining up in the new position in other games this season. And he suggested that the move could become permanent.

He told reporters in his post-match press conference: “Yeah, that’s something that’s a possibility, and I wanted to try it and we might use it in the future.

Later asked about why he liked Saka as a 10, the Arsenal boss said: “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 the 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.”