The obvious factor to say is that Arsenal have change into an unstoppable attacking pressure. The opposite obtrusive level to emerge throughout this breezy 5-0 win over Leeds United, although, is that Arsenal are desperately crying out for Eberechi Eze's invention within the ultimate third. There might be no in between, no blurred traces. In an age of maximum reactions, there can solely be one fact.
Take Viktor Gyökeres, who's each lumbering £64m dud and rampaging purpose brute all on the similar time. He was written off by some after enduring a troublesome debut in opposition to Manchester United however was in encouraging kind lower than every week later, providing hints of what he'll convey to Arsenal's ahead line by placing his operating energy to good use in opposition to Leeds. Conclusion? More durable checks are on the best way for the large Swede.
Subsequent for Arsenal comes a visit to Liverpool. It has been a promising begin to the season for Mikel Arteta's aspect, who've opened it with two wins, two clear sheets and one gazumping of Tottenham within the switch window. Eze, who was given an enormous ovation when he was unveiled earlier than kick-off in opposition to Leeds, has joined from Crystal Palace after snubbing Spurs and is certain so as to add further layers to Arsenal's assault. He may play off the left, chopping inside to hyperlink the play in opposition to deep defences, though maybe he'll function as a No 10, which will likely be his shirt quantity. Both manner, there isn't a doubt that Arteta has much more depth at his disposal. A repeat of final yr's damage disaster needn't spell the tip of Arsenal's title problem this time.
But these nagging doubts weren't fully dispelled with victory over Leeds, who had the Emirates Stadium on edge earlier than Set Piece FC went forward by means of a Jurriën Timber header from a Declan Rice nook within the thirty fourth minute. Arsenal could also be exploring a brand new attacking id this season however the sense stays that they danger being held again by previous failings. In any case, it shouldn't be missed that there have been just a few groans from the group earlier than the impasse was damaged. Leeds did effectively at first, limiting Arsenal to few clear alternatives. Daniel Farke's aspect, who don't look out of their depth after developing as champions, have been awkward earlier than being floor down.
The unusual factor is that Arsenal have been unconvincing for a lot of the primary half. They're attempting to develop new patterns – Martín Zubimendi and Rice led an excellent counterpress from midfield and there have been some pretty sweeping passes out to the flanks – however there have been loads of overhit passes and missed connections. The angst within the air was palpable. Gyökeres was nervy, snatching one likelihood vast when he had time to take a contact. There was frustration when Martin Ødegaard delayed a cross and handed backwards. There's a idea that Arteta has change into too obsessive about set-piece objectives. That Arsenal are too imposing. Eze will hopefully convey extra fantasy.
It took considered one of Rice's inswinging deliveries to shatter the stress, Timber rising highest to go in for 1-0. By then Ødegaard had limped off and made manner for Ethan Nwaneri. There have been positives and negatives. Arsenal's second purpose was glorious, Rice successful possession excessive, Zubimendi concerned earlier than Timber performed Bukayo Saka in to lash a rising drive previous Lucas Perri.
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Eight minutes into the second half there was the worrying sight of Saka sitting on the turf and feeling the again of his left leg. The winger couldn't proceed and is a significant doubt to face Liverpool, which is hardly supreme given Arsenal may be with out Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus after they tackle the champions.
The comfort for Arteta is that he has extra choices this season. Simply as essential, there are indicators that Arsenal are starting to play to Gyökeres's strengths. He wants room to assault, balls to chase, defenders to harass. He had all of that when Riccardo Calafiori hoicked a first-time up and underneath down the left channel within the forty eighth minute. Gyökeres instantly set off, rumbled previous Pascal Struijk, reduce inside, held off Jayden Bogle and arrowed an angled shot contained in the close to put up.
The previous Sporting Lisbon striker's first Arsenal purpose was a aid. Timber transformed from one other nook. Max Dowman sparkled after approaching for his debut. The 15-year-old – sure, 15 – was most likely somewhat naughty when he made probably the most of a slight contact to win a stoppage-time penalty that Gyökeres transformed. Concepts for an appropriate punishment for Dowman's opportunistic tumble ranged from being despatched to mattress with no dinner to being denied Nintendo Change privileges for the subsequent week.
Arsenal ended it feeling optimistic concerning the future. They have been additionally struggling to shake off acquainted considerations. Previous failings could come again to hang-out them. The choice studying is that Arteta 2.0 is taking form.
