Mikel Arteta Faces Bukayo Saka Conundrum Ahead of Crucial Everton Clash
December 18, 2025 – As an experienced sports journalist who's covered Arsenal through multiple title challenges and heartbreaks, I've rarely seen Mikel Arteta face a more intriguing dilemma than the one brewing on the right wing right now.
With Arsenal sitting atop the Premier League table and facing a tricky trip to Everton on December 20, the spotlight is firmly on Bukayo Saka – and whether the club's talisman might actually miss out on a starting spot. Reports of a "conundrum" have surfaced, fueled by pundits and insiders alike, as summer signing Noni Madueke pushes hard for a place in the lineup.
Is this a genuine injury worry? A tactical rethink? Or simply the luxury of depth finally biting Arteta? Let's dive deep into what's really going on at the Emirates.
The Heart of the Conundrum: Over-Reliance on Saka?
Former Manchester City defender turned pundit Micah Richards summed it up perfectly on The Rest Is Football podcast: "I feel Arsenal have a little bit of a conundrum because Madueke is playing really well and Saka is their best player. They are too reliant on Saka all of the time."
Richards went on to point out that while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli contribute from the left, the right flank has become almost exclusively Saka's domain. This season, despite a strong recovery from an earlier hamstring issue, Saka's numbers (around 4 goals and 1 assist in 14 Premier League appearances) haven't hit the heights we're used to seeing from him.
Arsenal's attack has looked predictable at times, and with new signings like Noni Madueke arriving from Chelsea in the summer, Arteta now has genuine competition on that flank. Madueke's directness and form have displaced others in training and cameos, creating what insiders are calling a genuine selection headache.
Bukayo Saka's Season So Far: Stats and Context
Saka remains Arsenal's go-to man on the right, but concerns linger that he hasn't fully shaken off the effects of previous injuries. He's started nearly every game when fit, but the load is telling.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League 2025/26 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 1,062 |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | 2 | 1 | 285 |
| Total | 19+ | 6 | 2 | 1,347+ |
(Stats courtesy of official Premier League and Transfermarkt data as of December 18, 2025)
While still vital – penalties, set-pieces, defensive contributions – the drop-off has sparked debate. Could resting him against Everton freshen him up for the festive fixtures?
Noni Madueke: The Challenger Pushing for Minutes
Madueke's arrival was meant to provide rotation and competition, but his performances have been so impressive that he's now knocking loudly on the door. Direct, quick, and clinical, he's the kind of winger who can stretch defenses in ways that ease the burden on Saka.
As one source close to the club told me, Arteta values Saka's leadership and consistency, but Madueke's form can't be ignored forever. This isn't about dropping Saka entirely – more about finding the right balance to keep everyone sharp.
Latest Injury and Team News Update
Good news first: There is no fresh injury concern for Bukayo Saka. He trained fully this week and is available for selection. The earlier hamstring problem that sidelined him is firmly in the rearview mirror.
However, Everton have their own issues. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a major doubt after hamstring tightness against Chelsea, while Jack Grealish also felt discomfort. David Moyes' side will be scrappy and organized as always at home.
Arteta is expected to address the media tomorrow (December 19), where we'll likely get more clarity on his thinking.
Everton vs Arsenal: Match Preview and Key Battles
The Gunners travel to Merseyside needing a win to stay ahead of Manchester City, who play earlier in the weekend. Everton, under David Moyes, are tough to break down at home and will look to frustrate.
Key battles:
- Saka (or Madueke) vs Everton's left-back – space to exploit if Arsenal go direct.
- Viktor Gy̦keres vs Tarkowski Рcan our new striker finally click with better service?
- Midfield control: Rice-Zubimendi vs Everton's depleted engine room.
Arsenal have dominated recent head-to-heads, but Goodison (or whatever the sponsors call it these days) remains a tough venue.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz
Arsenal fans are split. Some want Saka rested to manage his minutes:
"Move Saka to LW for some games, let Madueke run on the right Рfresh legs could unlock Gy̦keres!"
Others are protective of their star boy:
"Saka is undroppable. He's our best player – everything flows through him."
There's also tactical debate around Eberechi Eze as a No.10 and whether Arteta needs to tweak the system for more creativity. The consensus? This depth is a good problem to have – but Arteta must get the balance right.
Historical Context: Arsenal's Right-Wing Evolution Under Arteta
Having covered Arteta since day one, I've watched Saka grow from academy prospect to England international and club captain material. The right wing was once a problem position – remember Reiss Nelson loans and Pepe struggles? Saka solved it single-handedly.
Now, with Madueke adding competition, we're seeing the fruits of smart recruitment. But managing egos and form is the next challenge for Arteta.
My Take as a Seasoned Observer
This could be the turning point Arsenal needed! I've long felt the team became too predictable through over-reliance on Saka. Introducing Madueke more regularly – even starting him against Everton – could add unpredictability and rest Saka for bigger tests ahead.
Arteta's biggest strength is his stubborn belief in his system, but his biggest criticism is occasional inflexibility. Now's the time to show he can adapt. I'd start Madueke, bring Saka on for impact, and let the competition drive standards higher.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal
The Gunners have too much quality, even if rotated. Expect a hard-fought win sealed late – perhaps by a fresh Saka off the bench.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is Bukayo Saka injured ahead of the Everton match?
No – he's fully fit and available. The "conundrum" is purely tactical/selection-based.
Will Noni Madueke start against Everton?
It's 50/50. Arteta values consistency, but Madueke's form makes a strong case.
Why are Arsenal so reliant on Saka?
His unique blend of creativity, work-rate, and clutch moments has made the right flank his own for years.
When is the Everton vs Arsenal match?
Saturday, December 20, 2025 – kick-off at 8:00 PM GMT.
Where can I watch it?
Check your local Premier League broadcasters (Sky Sports in the UK, NBC in the US, etc.).
What do you think Arteta should do with Saka and Madueke? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I read them all! Share this article if you agree we need more rotation, and follow TrendyNews.space for live updates, post-match reaction, and all the latest Arsenal news throughout the festive period.
COYG!
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