Arsenal endured a nightmare the last time they faced Wolves, but amid the darkness of their performance, Bukayo Saka was a shining light.
Saka tore Wolves apart when the Gunners welcomed the Old Gold to the Emirates on matchday 16 back in December.
Fast forward to now, and the winger needs to replicate that performance more than ever, as Arsenal need to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and Saka himself needs a boost.
Wolves aim to upset Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta’s side cannot, under any circumstances, let that happen if they want to remain in control of the title race.
Predict the scoreline when Arsenal visit Molineux to face Wolves
Some memorable games here 👀
Bukayo Saka will be key for Arsenal against Wolves
Fortunately, Arsenal have the talent to beat Wolves comfortably; it’ll just be about whether Arteta’s side play in a way that takes the Old Gold out of the game.
Arsenal’s attack has come under scrutiny this season, and for good reason.
One of the biggest underperformers has been Saka, who must now use his masterclass against Wolves last time out as inspiration to get back to a familiar level.
When the two sides met at the Emirates, Saka ended Arsenal’s 10-year wait to see a player contest and win 10 duels.
The Englishman was also responsible for almost the entirety of Arsenal’s creative play, recording three key passes, completing five crosses, and completing four dribbles.
Wolves couldn’t cope with Saka then, but that’s a narrative that has faded out ever since, as the 24-year-old has left a lot to be desired for the most part this season.
That’s why, when the Hale End product visits Molineux on Wednesday night, he needs to seek inspiration from his performance against the West Midlands club to remind the Premier League of his presence.
Saka could surprise Wolves
Saka’s man-of-the-match performance against Wolves in December came on the right wing, but that’s where Arteta can spring a surprise on Edwards’ plans to limit the winger.
Against Wigan, Arteta tested Saka in midfield, and it certainly paid off, leaving fans wanting to see more.
Tell us why Bukayo Saka should start in the middle ahead of Martin Odegaard…
The fact was that Saka’s impressive performance against Wigan came against League One opposition, with the jump to the Premier League rather severe.
Still, it could be that element of surprise regarding the 24-year-old’s position that could catch Wolves out.
Regardless of his role, the Old Gold will be wary of Saka, who has shown he can hurt the relegation-bound side already this season.
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