3 wins for the opening 3 games, 9 goals and 2 conceded. Cannot ask for much more than that.
However, the season changes pace from now, with midweek matches most weeks between now and the break for the World Cup.
There have been a lot of obvious plus points so far. Gabriel Jesus has been excellent, scoring, assisting and his all round performances have been top drawer. Oleksandr Zinchenko, too, has come in and raised the level. William Saliba already looks a top class PL centre back. Gabriel Martinelli is linking well with Jesus, and showing a lot of signs of this being a step up in his personal performances. The midfield 3 of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard is flowing effectively.
There are a few issues that raise slight concern. Aaron Ramsdale has looked a bit shaky, the goals he has conceded have had some blame attached to him. Yesterday he was flappy at times, and almost dropped us in it with an awful kick.
Ben White has done okay at right back, but clearly isn't his best position. The question is, will Arteta drop him to the bench to bring in Takehiro Tomiyasu? Or will he break-up the developing partnership between Saliba and Gabriel?
The Europa League will offer a different challenge for Arteta compared to last season. Last time we were in it, Arteta used mainly senior players and given the departures of players like Patino, Salah and Hutchinson, the same should be expected here. It is also likely to be a tougher group than what we were used to, with the group stage being only 32 teams nowadays. The draw for that is Friday, btw...
With about 10 days left of the transfer window, we are still 3 or 4 players short of what Arteta described as his ideal squad size (22-23 outfield players). We also still have the likes of Bellerin, Maitland-Niles and Pepe on the books, who we seemingly want to move on asap. There aren't currently any substantial links, although we continue to be rumoured to be interested in the likes of Tielemans and Yeremy Pino.
We have Fulham at home next Saturday, followed by Aston Villa midweek and a visit to Old Trafford on 4th September - with the Europa starting on the 8th.
Good start...
posted on 21/8/22
I am still fairly confident of getting 2 more in. I didn't include Marquinhos in the 19, and he has looked good in his 3 u21 performances so far. I think the decision has been made to keep him rather than loan, so he could be one of the 3/4. Reuell Walters potentially may be included as well, after playing a role in pre-season (injured at moment). Also there is the potential for someone like Nelson (also injured) or Ains to be retained - so it is not necessarily 3 or 4 signings.
posted on 21/8/22
Arsenal will not sign 2 (good) players... Only if they are available on bargain. I can guarantee on that
posted on 21/8/22
One more big signing which will be a winger. I think we are short in midfield, don't see us getting one now. If we are in need of someone Zinchenko will play in there. Arteta has got to manage the players workload especially with world Cup, we can't afford to run Jesus etc into the ground. I want to see Arteta be more proactive with subs he seems to leave them later than the opposition which was the case against Leicester they had changed about 3/4 players before we had made one sub and especially in that heat he needs to manage the players better.
posted on 21/8/22
A good assessment DJ. I prefer Tomiyasu at RB even if it means having White on the bench. Ramsdale has not been at his best so far. Saka while not playing badly has not really sparkled either.
If we can’t sell or loan the likes of Bellerin, Pepe or AMN we should play them in the Europa and Carabao . They will be in the shop window which should motivate them to do well. Otherwise I look forward to seeing Marquinios and maybe more of ESR, Viera and Nketiah in these competitions, especially in the home legs.
posted on 21/8/22
Yeah, we all care what you think Maf, you are as thick as morespurs. You said we wouldn't be signing anyone this summer, you said the same last summer. Proved embarrassingly wrong both times, yet here you are again.
posted on 21/8/22
"You said we wouldn't be signing anyone this summer,..."
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Where?
posted on 21/8/22
sammy agreeing with me Arteta has united the fan base!!
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I want to see Arteta be more proactive with subs he seems to leave them later
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To be fair, the likes of Tomi, Tierney and ESR are coming off injuries and lack of pre-season, so probably planned to give them only short run outs at this stage. With one game a week as well, it is probably a good idea to keep players on the pitch to build their early season fitness (and develop the team on the pitch), especially when the team is playing well.
Squad rotation will be a big test for Arteta, as he is yet to prove he can do it effectively.
posted on 21/8/22
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posted on 21/8/22
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posted on 21/8/22
Gotta say it’s a better start for you lot compared to the 1st 3 games of last season!