Bukayo Saka admits he ‘can’t say anything negative’ about divisive Arsenal tactic

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Bukayo Saka has now spoken up in defence of one Arsenal trend.

Arsenal have not always been the most dynamic or creative side in open play this season. 

Mikel Arteta’s side have paid for their lack of creativity in certain games, including in the recent Premier League draws against Fulham and Everton. 

However, the North London club have often been bailed out by their set-piece prowess.

Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had an enormous impact at the Emirates Stadium, whilst Arteta has built a side that are aerially dominant. The likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz, amongst others, all provide targets to aim for in the opposition penalty area.

Add to that the reliably excellent deliveries from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and Arsenal have happened upon a consistent route to goal.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house

Bukayo Saka defends Arsenal set-pieces

Saka has already recorded 13 assists this season, across all competitions, and several of these have arrived as a result of his set-piece deliveries. 

The winger has now had his say on how important set-pieces are to this Arsenal team.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Saka explained: “We’re a top side and we happen to be top at set pieces as well. We have some big players and players who are very hungry to score.

“I can’t say anything negative about it. So, yeah, let’s just continue scoring set-pieces and hopefully it can bring us more points.”

Why Arsenal tactic has been debated

Arsenal have been called out for being over-reliant on set-pieces, with comparisons to Tony Pulis’ infamously physical Stoke City side having been drawn.

Jover has even come under fire, with Gary Neville dubbing him the “most annoying” man in football. 

Arsenal’s set-piece tactics may not be aesthetically pleasing, and Arteta will certainly want to see his side improve as an attacking force in open play.

However, the fact remains that all goals count the same, and the Spanish coach will delighted that his team are leading the pack in this aspect of the game.