Former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp has sparked a significant debate regarding Arsenal’s offensive structure, suggesting that Mikel Arteta should consider benching Bukayo Saka in favor of Noni Madueke or the emerging prospect Max Dowman. Following the Gunners’ recent Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, Redknapp argued that the England international’s influence on the right flank has waned, necessitating a fresh approach to reignite the team’s scoring threat. During an analytical segment on Sky Sports, the pundit asserted that while Saka has historically been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s success, his current form suggests a player struggling to meet the high expectations of a title-chasing side.
The critique comes at a sensitive time for the North London club, as they look to protect a narrowing lead at the top of the Premier League table. Redknapp pointed to the lack of “cutting edge” in recent fixtures as evidence that the opposition has begun to neutralize Saka’s traditional movements. By introducing the directness of Madueke—who has impressed with his dribbling efficiency since his move to the Emirates—or the youthful exuberance of Dowman, Redknapp believes Arteta could restore the unpredictability that characterized Arsenal’s early-season dominance.
Expounding on the need for the club’s “talisman” to rediscover his clinical touch, Redknapp stated:
“This is the moment when your star players need to elevate their performance. The player I currently feel is not meeting his potential is Bukayo Saka. I expect to see more from him. He has been a game-changer for Arsenal on numerous occasions. Recently, however, I have not witnessed the level of creativity, imagination, skill, and goals that we require from him. Additionally, he has Max Dowman challenging for his position, and Noni Madueke is also capable of playing on the right side.”
Beyond merely suggesting a personnel change on the right, Redknapp proposed a positional experiment for the 22-year-old. He noted that moving Saka to the left wing in upcoming league fixtures might alleviate the tactical stagnation he is currently experiencing. By operating on the opposite flank, Saka could find new passing lanes and shooting angles, potentially breaking the “deadlock” that has seen his goal contributions dip during the crucial March period.
“I think it might be beneficial to play Saka on the left at times. It seems he is struggling to find success against any opponent he faces.”
As Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for the final sprint of the 2025/26 campaign, the pressure to optimize his starting XI has never been higher. While Saka remains a fan favorite and a vital part of the club’s identity, Redknapp’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that even the most established stars must be subject to tactical scrutiny when results falter. Whether Arteta will heed this advice and integrate Madueke or Dowman into the starting lineup remains to be seen, but the conversation around Arsenal’s right-wing “evolution” is certainly intensifying.
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