Despite the result and the scoreline being the same, Arsenal's first two fixtures of the opening season could not have felt more different. The 2-nil victory at Villa Park came under testing conditions against a dogged, organised Villa side. Moments of brilliance: Raya's save, Saliba's tackle and Trossard's goal plus a certain amount of luck (Watkins' misses) meant that Arsenal came away with the 3 points and made something of a statement to the rest of the league that we're not falling away any time soon. Having now only lost 1 league game in 2024, surely there's no reason for Gooners to grumble?
More from Martinelli
The left side of Arsenal's team is proving divisive. Arteta seems to have showed his hand by starting Martinelli on the left side of Arsenal's attack. Martinelli is much-loved by Arsenal fans but there are many who simply want his end product to improve. His speed, his endeavour, his effort is never in question but, at the very top, game-changing contributions in the form of goals and assists must improve. To give him some benefit of the doubt, he is asked to play very wide, far from goal, reducing the likelihood of creating a goal or assist. Tactically, he seems to be utilised to stretch the play and give a torrid time to the opposition full-back. While it could be argued that he tires out the opposition for others later in the game to take advantage; that is surely a luxury that the very top teams don't entertain? He has also had the misfortune of not being able to form consistent relationships on the left-hand side. The woes at left-back are much discussed. Zinchenko's injuries and fluctuating form plus Tomiyasu's own injury concerns have meant a rotating cast of potential support for Martinelli. Add to that a mix of players used in the left 8 position (Havertz, Rice), compared with the settled right side of Saka, Odegaard and White, it could be understandable that Martinelli often plays with an individual style. Recent moves in the transfer market could see more consistency coming his way (more on that later).
The Super Sub Paradox
On the flip-side of the Martinelli discussions is who could come in to replace him, given his disappointing output. The difference-maker at Villa was Trossard. His goal, which broke the deadlock, was his sixth as an Arsenal substitute. The 'Super-Sub' label has been used to describe his contributions. That does somewhat diminish his exploits as an Arsenal player but given the debate about his 'non-celebration' and apparent dissatisfaction at not starting, it's no wonder there is a growing clamour for him to start games. However, this plays into the 'Super-Sub Paradox.' Coming on, later in games, and affecting the result is different to starting a game and setting the tone from the beginning. When you look at the Premier League record substitute goal scorers, you are met with a list of names which epitomise the kind of player that can make an impact but not one to start and build a team around. The two at the top probably less so: Defoe and Giroud, but after that: Javier Hernandez, Solskjear, Kanu...
A week of Reunions
In a week where news and social media has been flooded with the breaking story that Oasis are reforming for gigs in 2025, Arsenal have organised their own little reunion. It was finally announced this week that Mikel Merino is now an Arsenal player. Merino played with Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, at Real Sociedad in the 2019-20 season. Aside from Merino's telling contributions for Spain's victory at this year's Euros, there must have been some positive feedback from the Arsenal skipper for the club to have spent most of the summer chasing Merino. What's interesting, from a fan's perspective, is how this signing seems to go against the plan that has been unfolding over the last two or three years. Merino is 28. He is a signing for the here and now. He's in his prime, he's tall, he's extremely competitive on the pitch. Most importantly, he may offer some consistency on the left hand side because his preferred position, apparently, is that Left 8. What this means for the Arsenal line up is that Havertz will be considered much more as the striker (False 9) and Rice could be used as the Left 8 while Merino settles or cover Partey, if (more like when) he suffers another injury, as the defensive midfielder. Overall, it's raising the floor of Arsenal's squad. The defence and midfield seem to be well stocked. Could there be room for someone added to the attacking line up? We will see. For now, "Bienvenido Mikel!"