It was a warm welcome for Granit Xhaka back at the Emirates but this time in a different colour. The resounding applause when he got subbed off towards the end of the game resonates how much respect of Arsenal fans he earned just before he departed last summer. I miss him though.
It tool the first 10 minutes of the game for me to realize how much I had missed watching Arsenal play. The energy of the game was very different from what we saw in the earlier games against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool. I enjoyed the quick succession of the first two goals as we looked threatening with every attack, and that's what we love to see.
The lineup was not too much unexpected with Saka, Rice and Martinelli the only trio missing from what would have been a regular Arsenal setup, yet, that didn't prove to stop us from running riot from the get go. This is a big plus if we have to go one step further this season.
For a title-winning side, like Manchester City have shown, whether you're playing your regular team or there's a bit of rotation, there should be little or no difference in the quality of play, almost unnoticeable and that's something I think we've lacked for a while. We'd see how the season goes with this.
I understand Arteta brought in Raya to play his style of football but I'm not very sure how Ramsdale has gotten to a point of almost being frozen out of the team. I think he could have at least given him some minutes, especially at four goals up. It would have done no harm. As sad as it sounds, I'm gearing up for his exit because, except we're to be unfair, he's played his part in helping Arsenal get to where they are. Perhaps though, his assignment is completed and it's time to move on.
The academy boys were also very impressive, particularly Myles Lewis-Skelly, who again shone at left back where he has featured all pre-season. A good outing for Zinchenko too and his first goal in his new jersey number was worth the launch.
The wait to see Calafiori in action continues. Hopefully, this is quenched against Lyon. But, hey, no rush.
It was certainly a good result. Rice and Saka will presumably slot in for Vieira and presumably Jeses (with Havertz moving back up top) - or maybe Jorginho will drop out and Jesus will start the season up top. Has Jesus done enough? It's certainly possible.
I think that Martinelli will start the season on the bench and Arteta will allow Trossard to continue from wehre he ended last season. We'll wait and see though. As you suggest, Arsenal will need to use all of their squad - much like Man City do - if they're expecting to challenge for the league and in Europe.
They probably look better going into this season, with their level of depth, than they have done for a long time.
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Oouch.
You know, I've been mulling the Trossard x Martinelli thing in my head.
I think Arteta likes Martinelli and would still start him ahead of Trossard.
Another thing I think he might do is, rotate both of them since they ordinarily have different styles of play. Use Martinelli for a more direct attack and Trossard for when he wants a diverse range of approach.
There are times I wished the other was the one on the field so, I think their position would be the most rotated upfront.
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What do you think about Arsenal's defensive assets for FPL? If yes, who would you suggest for a long time?
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Definitely, I'd suggest having at least two of them. Any of the them
Saliba - Clean sheets, can score, doesn't get booked easily like Gabriel, always a potential candidate for bonus points
Gabriel - more likely to score than Saliba, clean sheet, can get booked easily
White - Can score and assist, clean sheet,
Arteta would most likely start the season with Zinchenko, but I don't think I'd want to take him on
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Thanks for your suggestion.
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