One Arsenal star who has been short of his best in recent weeks was able to impress against Wolves after Mikel Arteta tweaked his tactical role in the team.
Arsenal battled their way to a 2-0 win over Wolves at Molineux Stadium on Saturday evening.
It was vital for the Gunners to get back to winning ways in this game, as they had lost their last two matches prior to taking on the Midlands outfit. First, they surrendered control of the Premier League title when they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Then, they were knocked out of the Champions League by German giants Bayern Munich.
Having beaten Wolves, though, Mikel Arteta’s men now find themselves in pole position in the Premier League once again. Whilst Manchester City may only be one point behind with a game in hand, the Gunners will still have taken an enormous and timely confidence boost from this victory.
Is Bukayo Saka now over his recent Arsenal struggles?
One individual player who will feel lifted off the back of tis win is Bukayo Saka. Whilst he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself at Molineux, the 22-year-old winger produced an eye-catching performance and seemed to have been given a new lease of life by the slightly altered tactical role he was given by Arteta for this game.
Saka has not been at his best in recent weeks. The Hale End academy graduate has looked fatigued and has struggled to impact matches in the way supporters have become accustomed to seeing from him. However, Arteta is hugely reliant on the attacker, so he has remained a steadfast presence in the regular starting XI.
Saka was recently accused of having his worst ever game in an Arsenal shirt against Bayern Munich. However, he looked to have rediscovered some form against Wolves. This was likely down to the fact that his positioning this match was slightly altered.
How Mikel Arteta changed Bukayo Saka role for Arsenal v Wolves
Against Wolves, the England star operated in a more inverted role than usual. He tucked in, away from the flank, closer to Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park. This allowed Saka and the Norwegian playmaker to link up consistently, and it also created more space out wide for right-back Ben White to push forward on the overlap and offer a combination option.
According to WhoScored statistics, against Wolves, Saka took 4 shots, played 3 key passes, won 3 aerial duels, and delivered 2 crosses into the box. His presence in that inside-right channel created problems for the home side’s defence and made the Arsenal man difficult to track.
If Saka is now getting back to his best then that is brilliant news for Arsenal, as the Gunners will need him firing on all cylinders if they are to stand any chance of being crowned champions this season.
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