Saka central, Eze deep: Arsenal's attacking evolution

Bukayo Saka's versatility and Eberechi Eze's creativity shine in Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Arsenal's 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup saw Mikel Arteta make late changes to his starting lineup, including deploying Bukayo Saka in a more central role. Saka's versatility and ability to interchange positions proved beneficial, while Eberechi Eze's creativity from a deeper role also stood out. The performance highlighted Arsenal's attacking evolution and the importance of their players' adaptability.

Why it matters

Saka's ability to play in multiple positions gives Arteta tactical flexibility, which could be crucial as Arsenal navigate a busy schedule with several key midfielders sidelined. Eze's creativity from a deeper role also provides an additional attacking threat, potentially expanding Arsenal's options as they push for trophies.

The details

With Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino injured, and Ethan Nwaneri on loan, Arteta opted to use Saka in a more central role against Wigan. Saka thrived in this position, dropping deep to help build attacks and also making runs into the box. His assist for the third goal showcased his ability to find space in the final third. Eze, who was initially expected to play in the No. 10 role, instead dropped deeper and provided two assists with incisive through balls.

  • Arsenal's 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic came in the fourth round of the 2026 FA Cup on February 16, 2026.

The players

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal's 21-year-old winger who has shown versatility to play in central midfield roles.

Eberechi Eze

A 27-year-old midfielder who provided two assists with his creative passing in the deeper role against Wigan.

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal's manager who has shown a willingness to experiment with his lineup and tactics to adapt to injuries and opponent.

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What they’re saying

“That was another learning moment, and I always tell the players to be ready because in the role that you have, you can change any minute. Bukayo had to be ready and he was made aware of that very late. But you need to understand the position, you need to understand the intentions of the team, and if you do that, then you can perform.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (nytimes.com)

“Well, he's more central and 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.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (nytimes.com)

“Those players need those moments and especially when we talk about the creative players. They need to feel that they are producing those moments, and I'm very happy with that.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Arsenal travel to Wolves before facing Tottenham Hotspur, and while Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will likely return as starters, Arteta has not ruled out using Saka in a more central role again as part of his end-of-season strategy.

The takeaway

Saka's versatility and Eze's creativity have given Arteta additional tactical options to consider as Arsenal navigate a busy schedule and injuries to key midfielders. This performance highlighted the team's attacking evolution and the importance of players being able to adapt to different roles and positions.