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Southampton vs Arsenal: FA Cup – Opposition Threats

By Edward Waugh

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal (R) celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares of Arsenal after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal (R) celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares of Arsenal after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Bukayo Saka of Arsenal gets away from Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Peter Cziborra – Pool/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal gets away from Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Peter Cziborra – Pool/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka – Midfielder

The 19-year-old academy graduate has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season, chipping in with four goals and one assist in the Premier League. Considered to be an excellent dribbler of the ball and finisher, Southampton know too well of Saka’s abilities following his display at the Emirates last month. His dazzling run taking two or three players out of the game to provide Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a sitter to tie the game for 1-1.

Favoured as playing out on the left-hand flank for Arsenal – Kyle Walker-Peters will be tasked with the job of trying to keep Saka under wraps. Either Ibrahimi Diallo or Stuart Armstrong might need to drop-in to help defensively double team the young-Arsenal star, as well provide some cover for KWP when he pushes up and overlaps on attack. This being a heavy feature in his game this season under Hasenhuttl.

The help for KWP in defence will also be necessary to stop Saka from getting shots in on goal, as he averages 2.3 shots per game currently in the Premier League, as mentioned four goals in 16 starts is not a bad return for such a young talent.