Martin Keown gives his honest assessment of Bukayo Saka’s display in ‘the Odegaard role’ for Arsenal

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Martin Keown believes that Bukayo Saka looked great in the number ten role as the Arsenal attacker impressed in his new role.

Saka was called into the team late following Riccardo Calafiori’s injury in the warm-up, and he featured in a midfield role.

TRUE or FALSE: Bukayo Saka should start in the NUMBER 10 role more often!

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The winger played just 45 minutes in the central role, but the Gunners instantly looked much more dangerous, rampantly scoring four goals.

Following his display in the number ten role, Keown has been assessing how the Arsenal vice-captain performed, and it’s fair to say he enjoyed his display.

Martin Keown hails Bukayo Saka’s performance for Arsenal

Martin Keown was full of praise for Bukayo Saka’s performance in the number ten role for Arsenal as they defeated Wigan 4-0.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a brilliant performance in the new role for Mikel Arteta’s team, managing 36 touches, 25 passes, two dribbles, and 17 carries.

At half-time, Keown told TNT Sports: “It’s interesting because Saka has played in the Odegaard role, obviously a last-minute change, and it’s really opened him up.

“It’s been good for his confidence. He’s playing with freedom, and it was a really good ball. Both of them (Saka and Madueke), that’s England’s right-hand side, both playing there together at the same time. Too much for Wigan.”

Arteta went rather bold with his midfield selection, as Eberechi Eze also started in a number ten role alongside Saka.

Eze really impressed against Wigan, showing the manager he can play a more offensive midfield when facing teams that sit deep.

Saka also demonstrated that both he and Noni Madueke can play in the same team, which is food for thought for Arteta.

Owen Hargreaves on Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka’s interchange

Owen Hargreaves claims that Madueke and Saka’s ability to interchange positions on the right made the Gunners a real threat against Wigan.

He added: “You know what Madueke has been great on this right-hand side, he and Saka have interchanged brilliantly.”

Watching so many attacking players on the pitch all combining so well for the Gunners, should hopefully inspire Arteta to be bolder in his selections moving forward.