Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points in Matchweek 21.
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Switching Bukayo Saka to the right-wing is proving to be an inspired tactical change by Mikel Arteta ahead of a match against Manchester United.
The 19-year-old has scored four goals and assisted another two in six unbeaten matches for Arsenal since moving from the left.
Saka has readjusted to his new role magnificently, making at least one direct goal involvement in all but one of those appearances.
Two-footed excellence
Saka has impressed in numerous positions down the left, as a central midfielder and now on the right of midfield since breaking through at Arsenal.
He has displayed incredible assurance and maturity for a player of such limited experience.
His quick dribbling makes him extremely difficult to defend against.
A fine example of this was when he ran 40 yards down the right to set up Alexandre Lacazette for the winning goal at Brighton & Hove Albion in Matchweek 16.
Saka’s goal and assist variety
| Goals | Assists | |
|---|---|---|
| Left foot | 2 | 0 |
| Right foot | 2 | 2 |
| Header | 1 | 0 |
Saka has showcased his ability to use both feet confidently in recent matches.
His goal and assist in Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Southampton both stemmed from pieces of right-footed play.
Saka's performance v Southampton
Saka also used the same foot to round off a fast counter at home to Chelsea with a superb chip.
Prior to this run of matches, the England international had been regarded as a prominently left-footed player.
Academy combination
Saka’s natural chemistry with Emile Smith Rowe has been one of the highlights of Arsenal’s mid-season revival.
Both graduating from the club’s academy, they have linked up with great speed and cohesion in recent weeks.
Smith Rowe supplied assists for Saka to score against Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.
An injury forced Smith Rowe off against Southampton and Arsenal will hope it is not serious enough to keep him from facing Man Utd on Saturday.
Desired effect
Saka’s move to the right is one of several strategic changes that have helped Arsenal find a better blend inside the final third.
Also among the tweaks are Smith Rowe’s introduction at No 10, as well as the use of Lacazette as a first-choice striker.
On the left, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has appeared less isolated, helped by the inclusion of an extra attacking midfielder to combine with.
In Aubameyang's absence Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe have also enjoyed strong performances down the left.
With 14 goals in their last six matches, compared to 12 in their previous 14, the changes have had a significant impact.
How Saka compares
| 2020/21 | Saka | Willian | Pepe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 1505 | 937 | 568 |
| Chances created open play | 15 | 12 | 0 |
| Shots on target | 16 | 2 | 6 |
| Touches in opp. box | 85 | 25 | 29 |
| Minutes/direct goal inv. | 215.0 | 312.3 | 189.3 |
In a 3-4-2-1 formation, it was easy to fit three of Arsenal’s best players in Kieran Tierney, Aubameyang and Saka down the same side.
But while they are a formidable combination, Arteta’s team were becoming imbalanced because Willian and Pepe have underperformed on the opposite flank.
Pepe has not created a chance in open play in the league this season, while Willian has registered only two shots on target all season.
Moving Saka to the other side in a 4-2-3-1 has given the Gunners more stability.
He has helped to transform Arsenal's attacking play and has the quality to help them complete just a fourth double over Man Utd in the Premier League era.
