00:00As Arsenal navigates a high-stakes title race, the evolution of Bakayo Saka has become the central theme for Mikel
00:07Arteta.
00:08While the 24-year-old has long been a master of the right wing, his recent foray into more central
00:13roles suggest a permanent shift in Arsenal's tactical identity.
00:17Arteta's decision to deploy Saka in the number 10 role, notably during the dominant FA Cup win over Wigan, shows
00:24their intent to get their star man closer to goal.
00:28Opposing the central risk, losing the ball in the middle often triggers dangerous counter-attacks.
00:33However, Saka possesses the rare physical resilience to absorb contact from behind and the technical poise to link play in
00:40congested areas.
00:42Statistically, the move addresses a slip in usual output.
00:46Despite being the lead leader, Saka has recorded four goals and three assists in 22 Premier League games this season.
00:52Numbers the club hope to inflate by moving him off the touchline.
00:57Moving Saka centrally or even to the left or attacking midfield provides an added dimension.
01:02While fans are accustomed to his trademark curling strikes from the right, his performance in the Cup highlighted a potent,
01:09powerful strike across goal from central pocket.
01:13As Arsenal are sat at the top of the table, this versatility allows Arteta to keep opponents getting by making
01:21Saka harder to reference on the pitch.
01:23The Gunners are finding ways to go through teams rather than just around them.
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