Mikel Arteta celebrates an Arsenal goal against Leeds United at the Emirates.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta celebrates an Arsenal goal against Leeds United at the Emirates. | Getty Images
Arsenal have one target in the Premier League this season
After three consecutive second-placed finishes, Arsenal do not need telling twice what their target is this year. It could prove to be a make-or-break season for Mikel Arteta.
Big money has been spent over the summer to improve the squad in several key areas, meaning there are no longer any excuses for Arteta and his side. Not even injuries are any longer a good enough reason, as strength in depth has been added across almost all positions to ensure that the Gunners are not caught out if key players are unavailable.
Case in point in the match against Liverpool - Noni Madueke came in for the injured Bukayo Saka and was arguably Arsenal’s best player on the day, while Cristhian Mosquera was introduced for a stricken William Saliba after just five minutes to find himself thrown in at the deep end for the first time.
We decided to evaluate what Arteta’s strongest starting XI could prove to be this season, as the Gunners look to end their 23-year wait for Premier League title glory.
Competition for places in arguably Premier League’s best defensive unit
David Raya: Arsenal’s No.1 between the sticks this season will once again be David Raya. The Spain goalkeeper has been an almost-flawless signing since arriving for Brentford on an initial loan deal in 2023 and continues to be a commanding presence in goal.
Jurrien Timber: Making the right-back slot his own with a string of outstanding performances, Jurrien Timber is still only 24 and has much room to improve further. He is also beginning to add an attacking threat, scoring a brace for the first time in his career as the Gunners trounced Leeds United 5-0.
William Saliba: One of the first names on the team sheet, William Saliba has been a revelation at the Emirates since breaking into the side in 2022. Fans will hope his injury sustained against Liverpool does not keep him out of action for long.
Gabriel: The other half of arguably the most formidable central defensive duo in world football at this moment in time, Gabriel is by no means the inferior defender and is just as important to Arteta. With 17 Premier League goals for the club, the 27-year-old is a threat in both boxes.
Riccardo Calafiori: The only contentious spot in the Gunners back four, Riccardo Calafiori has begun the season starting at left-back and has more than earnt the opportunity to continue ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Calafiori has been solid at the back while chipping in with a goal and two assists in the opening two games. Piero Hincapie has also been signed from Bayer Leverkusen and will provide further competition in defence.
Star signings add to exciting Gunners XI
Martin Zubimendi: Signed from Real Sociedad in the summer, 26-year-old Martin Zubimendi is both a midfield enforcer and creator rolled into one. Arguably an upgrade on the departed Thomas Partey, Zubimendi could prove to be a very astute signing.
Declan Rice: After enjoying arguably the best individual season of his career so far, Declan Rice is entering his prime and could yet reach new levels. The England international is capable of doing almost anything but is at his best driving forward from the number eight position.
Martin Odegaard: Having held a large amount of responsibility within the Gunners side from a young age, Martin Odegaard completes a midfield three all now in peak condition aged 26. With less creative burden now placed on the Norwegian, it will be interesting to see how the captain performs this term.
Eberechi Eze: Signed for £67.5m from Crystal Palace, boyhood fan Eberechi Eze has already won the hearts of ‘Gooners’ supporters and will hope to build on a life-changing year in his career. Also capable of covering or rotating with Odegaard, Eze is most likely to start ahead of Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Bukayo Saka: Completing a scary Gunners starting XI is arguably their greatest current player of them all. Bukayo Saka may find himself on the sidelines for a few weeks but when back, there is no doubt that the right-wing spot is his own. The England star has already surpassed 50 Premier League goals before his 24th birthday, but he spent an extended period on the sidelines for the first time in his career last term and will hope history does not repeat itself this time around.
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