Arsenal's Premier League title charge got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over a lively Wolverhampton Wanderers side.
Being the closest competitive team we have likened to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and the incredible run at the league title last season, Ballgist takes a more intimate look into what changes Arteta has instilled in the team. Here we give our analysis and takeaways from their first game of the new campaign.
But despite the plenty of positives from the game, we have highlighted four main noticeable points from the team’s play and set up ahead of the new season; have a good read. Â
1. Left-back remains an issue
Oleksandr Zinchenko did great in his first start for the Gunners this season. Impressive. Unfortunately for him, however, you need to maintain a minimum standard to affirm your place in a big squad like that of Arsenal.
Defensive concerns saw the Ukranian hooked when Wolves threatened on the attack. Jurrien Timber later came on, leaving new signing Riccardo Calafiori still sitted on the bench.
Zinchenko has a clear battle on his hands if he wants to keep his spot. Chances are he’ll lose it very soon, but what is obvious is the need for improvement at left-back.
2. David Raya looks set to retain his Golden Glove
We’re only in the first weekend of the season, but there won’t be many saves better than David Raya’s stop to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Wolves forward looked certain to head into the back of the net but Raya – despite all his momentum sending him in the wrong direction – managed to fling out a glove and claw away the effort.
A save he had no right to make.
Having won last season’s Golden Glove, Raya is clearly eyeing a second individual honour this time around.
3. Can Arsenal bank on Havertz?
There has been significant talk of a new striker arriving at the Emirates this summer. £100m+ moves for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres have been touted, but what’s the point?
Kai Havertz continues to lead the line well and opened his account with a smart header, and while he may have flashed his inconsistency with a woefully sliced effort early in the second half, there’s no way the striker’s is a position in need of such significant investment.
If a cheap option can be found to add some extra competition, then perhaps a move should be made, but a £100m signing would be “absolutely insane”.
4. Maybe a Mikel Merino?
There feels like there is one weak spot left in this Arsenal midfield. Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are great but, behind them, doubts remain over the long-term roles of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
It was the latter who started here and, much like Zinchenko, he was impressive. There were, however, a few too many moments which suggested he can’t be relied upon over an entire season, and so a new midfielder should be signed.
That’s not news to Arsenal, who remain locked in talks to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
A final push is needed in negotiations, and Partey’s performance may have provided the required inspiration to shake hands on this one.
