Arsenal started the season with a 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners will be relived that they managed to secure all three points on Sunday at Old Trafford, a venue where they tend to struggle to get wins. It leaves Arteta’s side as one of six sides in the Premier League that managed to record wins in their opening game.
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Arsenal will now look ahead to their next match, which is the first home game of the season, against Leeds United. It will be the first time the Emirates will get to see Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi play in red and white in the Premier League.
However, there are things that Arteta will want to work on from the first game, as it was a 1-0 win, and it wasn’t exactly convincing.
1. Set pieces remain a key part of Arsenal’s attack
Last season the Gunners almost became the brunt of a joke comparison to the Stoke City teams of old, due to their success from corners and free kicks, and it seems we’re in for more of the same.
Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game against United, and yes, it was mainly because of Altay Bayindir’s mistake when coming to get the ball, but the delivery still had to be dangerous to force the error.
Declan Rice’s corner deliveries will be yet again a huge weapon for Arsenal this season if they are to win the title. Consider that it was the difference in an opening game where they could have very easily lost, a very useful asset to have.
2. Everyone needs to be patient with Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres had a quiet Premier League debut against United, and it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Over the weekend, we published an article with quotes from Thierry Henry, who urged the Gunners to be patient with the Swedish striker, and he was spot on.
In the game, Gyokeres was that forward presence, but he simply didn’t get the service he needed to make an impact. There were a couple of occasions where he held the ball up well, a couple where he ended up losing it, but there was a distinct lack of support.
Both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka struggled to make waves on the wings and deliver balls into the box, exactly what a main striker needs…so just be patient.
3. David Raya remains crucial for Arsenal winning the league
In the past two seasons, David Raya has been one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and he clearly doesn’t intend to change anything.
The Spanish stopper was excellent against United, punching several dangerous Man United balls into the box, and denying Bryan Mbeumo two certain goals, which would have won United the game.
If Arsenal are to win the Premier League title this season, Raya will be a crucial part of their success, he is simply superb.