The next step in Bukayo Saka’s development

But this was not the first time Saka played a central role under Arteta.

During the 2020 lockdown season, Saka played in midfield against Brighton in a 2-1 loss, hitting the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area with a right-footed shot and providing an assist for Nicolas Pepe.

Saka is one of the best wingers in the world, even if his numbers have been lower than you would expect from him so far this season.

The 24-year-old has scored seven goals and seven assists in 33 matches in all competitions this season.

One thing that makes Saka so dangerous is his ability to control the ball in tight spaces even when closely marked and he showed that when he challenged Wigan’s midfield during the match.

He dropped deep to pick up the ball while also swapping positions with Noni Madueke, who was playing in Saka’s usual right-wing position, and Arsenal’s third goal came from a Saka cross after good work between the duo on the right.

Playing Saka in this position could also mean that the path ahead for 16-year-old Max Doman is clearer and mean Arteta could play with the talented youngster and Saka in the same side.

Madueke is also in excellent form and has three goals and an assist in his last five games, and with Wolves on Wednesday and midfield injuries, there is a chance we could see Saka continue in his role, with Arteta hinting the England international could feature there more this season.

“This is something possible and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future,” Arteta said.

“There are still a lot of different matches, competitions and scenarios that can be played out in this season, and that is the possibility that we have.”