Mikel Arteta has eased fans' fears after two pre-season defeats that the Arsenal cavalry is on the way back ahead of the new Premier League season
Mikel Arteta is keen to get his squad back after Arsenal lost another pre-season clash, this time to Borussia Dortmund
Mikel Arteta is keen to get his squad back after Arsenal lost another pre-season clash, this time to Borussia Dortmund(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Two defeats, six goals conceded, time to panic, right?
Not really, but Arsenal’s pre-season is raising some important concerns, which is exactly when you want them to arise. It allows time for adjustments and improvements to be made, while also providing the necessary context for the match.
Arsenal were the more dominant side in both games, 58% of the ball against Borussia Dortmund and 56% against Real Betis. But in both games the opposition looked very threatening, and mistakes led to goals.
Mikel Arteta looked like a very relieved man as he exclaimed, “Finally!” when describing the return of several key members of his squad to full training on Monday.
Due to the World Cup several stars have missed the opening games of the summer and will be unlikely to feature much, if at all against Como on Wednesday night.
“So yeah, we lost the game, obviously not happy about it,” Arteta said. “And yeah, things are a little bit… we have to improve certain players that need to get more minutes and rhythm, which is going to be really helpful what we went through today, especially certain parts of the game.
“Tomorrow, finally, everybody back!”
He then added: “Some of them were back today, already watching the game. Some of them, Bukayo was here yesterday, a bit earlier than expected.
“Which is great to see. I think it's a really good sign. And tomorrow everybody will be available to start the training programme.”
Arteta does not like losing and clearly is pained to watch his title-winning side look so comparably weak, where last season they were so hard to beat. The crucial missing pieces in the defensive midfield role are particularly glaring.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is playing the six role because there is no one else available who can. Any other players who have and could operate in the role are not yet ready to play.
But from Monday, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Merino will all be back with the squad. Kai Havertz will not need to deputise in midfield, which clearly is not a role he should be used in, unless absolutely necessary, for the forthcoming campaign.
For me, he should be Arsenal’s starting centre-forward, and he looks much better in combination with the players around him than Viktor Gyokeres does. I must have counted three separate occasions, likely missing others, when a bad touch, decision or mistake by the Swede led to Arteta spinning away in frustration eyes looking to the sky.
Julian Alvarez seems a long shot when it comes to a transfer, but after missing other high-profile attacking targets this summer, the Argentine would be truly transformational to the role. Gyokeres could yet even move the other way if suggestions of a swap deal become reality.
Manchester City put three past Alvarez’s Atletico Madrid a week before facing Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. I cannot help but fear this match right now, not because of any longer lasting impacts if the Gunners lose, more so just I fear the team necessary to win the game, won’t yet be ready – but we can hope.
The highlight of the day, besides the reveal of Bruno Guimaraes to the Arsenal fans before kick-off, was the two wide players. Max Dowman looked again sharp and threatening.
If he had perhaps a centre-forward with better link-up ability and Martin Odegaard present on the field for longer, the returning skipper was also a big plus point; then this youngster will no doubt be a much bigger factor next season. At 16, it is incredible to be even considering him as a starter for the Community Shield and opening Premier League match of the season – if Bukayo Saka is allowed more rest time.
But the biggest plus was Christos Tzolis, who added his fourth goal contribution in his fourth successive pre-season match. He also won the penalty for the second goal, but set-piece coach Nicolas Jover must be buzzing with excitement that the Greek has a wand of a right foot from the dead-ball situations.
No, I am not packing quite yet, but there is no doubt Arsenal cannot end the window with the squad as it is. Both regarding incomings and outgoings, with yet another tepid performance from Gabriel Jesus, who is linked with a move to Napoli; £15million for him would be fantastic.
On transfers Arteta was asked whether he expects to sign more players between now and the end of the window. “Well, that's what we're trying to do,” he said.
“If we have the right player in the market to make us much better. We are very looking forward to that.”
And it is that “right player” which is the key for the Spaniard. Arsenal will not sign anyone for the sake of signing someone and there is still a chance they may yet not add a new left winger.
Gabriel Martinelli was the subject of an enquiry from Galatasaray football.london understand. However, the sense, for now, is that it will not be entertained with it seemingly that an alternative to Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior is not close at the moment.
Next up, Cesc Fàbregas and Como. Another Champions League level opponent and a chance to see how many of the squad who have returned could get some minutes – excitingly, Bruno Guimaraes being one such player.