A convincing win has secured the first three points of the season, with our £65 million striker scoring his first goal.
In the lead-up to the match, discussions focused on the absence of a new forward at the club. I maintained my belief that any incoming player must surpass Kai Havertz, and so far, no striker has switched teams that I would prefer over Germany’s first choice.
When Havertz headed in our opening goal, I felt justified in my stance. If we had signed strikers like Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, or Benjamin Sesko, their scoring would have prompted comments about the impact a proper striker can make. Havertz’s goal was a remarkable header, showcasing striker quality that would have impressed Olivier Giroud, coupled with an all-around game that stands out among mere goal scorers.
I understand why some fans felt disappointment seeing the starting XI, which featured no new signings, with Riccardo Calafiori starting on the bench. However, this reflects the current state of our squad. Last season, we challenged Manchester City strongly, proving there’s no need for drastic changes.
Teams lower down the table tend to make numerous signings, whereas clubs at the top, boasting world-class squads, rarely see significant player turnover. New arrivals must be superior to those they replace. I don’t believe Dominic Solanke at £65 million or Julian Alvarez at £80 million would enhance our setup more than Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Conversely, Calafiori is a step up from Jakub Kiwior, and Mikel Merino provides a superior central option compared to Emile Smith Rowe.
In the past, slow starts were common as new players adjusted to one another. Our limited signings allowed everyone to understand their roles and foster connections. We observed Ben White and Bukayo Saka revitalizing their partnership on the right, highlighting the need for the new England manager to consider White. Oleksandr Zinchenko emerged from the left, bolstering our midfield presence, with Thomas Partey acting as a one-man shield in defense and Gabriel Martinelli serving as an outlet on the left. It was a quintessential Arsenal performance.
Interesting decisions included Zinchenko coming off after 60 minutes for Jurrien Timber instead of Calafiori. The indication is that Calafiori is intended to eventually take on the left-back role as a “Ben White” equivalent. With Timber and Zinchenko, we have the flexibility to utilize progressive full-backs on either side. This substitution does not imply Timber is ahead of Calafiori in the hierarchy, but reflects our strategy of deploying different players based on the match context.
A notable comment from the stands discussed Arteta’s intention to “reduce minutes” for players. While Arteta has been called out for relying heavily on a small group, this is partly due to some squad members, like Smith Rowe and Nelson, not meeting the required level.
This season, we can expect Timber and White to alternate on the right, and Zinchenko and Calafiori on the left. In midfield, Partey, Merino, Declan Rice, and Jorginho will share responsibilities. Up front, Leandro Trossard and Martinelli will rotate on the left while Havertz and Jesus will alternate in attack. Only William Saliba, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard are guaranteed starts when fit.
Regarding Saka and Odegaard, it’s crucial not to rest your top players. Legendary talents like Lionel Messi, Mo Salah, and Cristiano Ronaldo rarely faced rotations in their prime. With exceptional players like Odegaard and Saka, they must be utilized regularly to facilitate their physical adaptation.
With our first victory secured, we face a week off before meeting Aston Villa next weekend, followed closely by the first international break of the season. Enjoy your Sunday!