Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has shed light on the team’s newfound balance between defense and attack, crediting manager Mikel Arteta’s insistence that forwards play a crucial role in defensive responsibilities.
According to Saka’s comments come after the Gunners secured a clean sheet against Paris Saint-Germain, a remarkable feat considering the French giants had scored in their last 51 UEFA Champions League matches.
Saka highlighted Arteta’s philosophy, stating, “We’re all attacking-minded; we want to go forward, but the manager has emphasized a lot the other part of the game.”
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He noted that Arteta’s voice is often heard from the sidelines, urging players to maintain their defensive duties when the team loses possession. “I’m sure if you stand on the sideline, you can hear him a lot when we’re out of possession!”
“It takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline because, to be honest, I do want to be more forward, but it’s what the team requires. When I see the results, we have a lot of clean sheets, so it’s paying off, and it encourages me to keep doing it — me, Gabi, the other players.” Saka explained.
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He also mentioned the positive outcomes of this strategy, with the team enjoying multiple clean sheets, which motivates them to continue prioritizing defensive work.
Arsenal’s commitment to defensive discipline has contributed significantly to their success this season, making them one of the most formidable defensive units in the Champions League.
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With no goals conceded in their first two matches of the tournament and a total of 17 clean sheets across all competitions in 2024, the Gunners are reaping the benefits of Arteta’s tactical vision.
The ability to balance both attacking flair and defensive solidity has transformed Arsenal into a cohesive unit, fighting for every point.