Mikel Arteta may have offered a clue about his preferred striker for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on Sunday, following a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford aiming for a strong start to the campaign after a mixed pre-season, which included back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal before Saturday’s convincing performance.
New £63.7 million signing Viktor Gyokeres opened his Arsenal account with a powerful header, while substitute Kai Havertz also found the net after Bukayo Saka’s second goal of the game. Both forwards impressed, giving Arteta a welcome selection dilemma ahead of a challenging early fixture list.
“They can play together, Kai can play in different positions as well,” Arteta said post-match. “It elevates the team’s level and the options we have in the squad. It’s great to see both of them scoring; it’s a good problem to have.”
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Gyokeres arrives off the back of a stunning 39-goal league campaign in Portugal, yet Saturday’s header was a first of its kind for him. Arteta praised the striker’s instinctive play and warned Premier League defenders to beware.
“Everything he does is on instinct,” the manager added. “That’s why he’s scored so many in recent seasons. He’s a threat, he pins centre-backs, and if you give him space 1v1, he will destroy you.”
The win also featured another standout display from £55 million signing Martin Zubimendi, who assisted Gyokeres’ opener and converted the decisive penalty in a post-match shootout, which Arsenal won 6-5 for extra practice.
Arsenal took control early, with Gyokeres heading home midway through the first half before Gabriel Martinelli set up Saka for a composed finish just two minutes later. In the second half, Noni Madueke’s pace stretched the visitors’ defence, and Saka’s late counter-attack pass allowed Havertz to race through and seal the win.
With 65% possession, a solid defensive display, and both new signings making an impact, Arsenal look well-prepared for the challenge at Old Trafford. Whether Arteta opts for Gyokeres, Havertz, or both on Sunday, the Gunners appear to have attacking firepower to match their ambitions.
Arsenal