There's more than one way to win a football match. That simple statement is why the world's most popular sport endures. People, cities, countries, even continents can debate the best way to win. Most of the time disagreement is healthy. It can drive evolution in the game making it faster, better, stronger.
The lowest ebb following Arsenal, in recent memory, was during the 'Wenger in, Wenger out' period. The level of anger and toxicity, driven by social media, left a stain on the club which still has some fading to do before it disappears. If you think this kind of conflict is unique to the social media era, you'd be wrong.
Arsenal, like football as a whole, have a long history of disagreements. From the decision to go professional, move grounds, spend money etc. Debate can be healthy and usually comes at a time of change. Isn't it great that, now Arteta has brought stability and consistent improvement to the club, the discourse is so much more positive. After a routine 2-nil victory in the opening game of the 2024/25 season, no one could have reason to disagree on anything, right?
Partey Time
While the transfer window remains open, the hot topic of debate will always be about incomings and outgoings. Which player could come in and be the final piece of the jigsaw? Which player is taking up space? The one player that didn't come out of Saturday's victory against Wolves well is Thomas Partey. Off-field concerns aside, there are also huge question marks about his ability to hit the heights we saw glimpses of when he first joined. Since coming back from his most recent injury, his best attributes: intercepting opposition attacks, providing progressive passes for our own attacks, all seem to have dropped off a little. Arsenal's strong links to Mikel Merino could see Rice drop back into the Partey position. In the short term, Partey getting back to his best will undoubtedly help Arsenal challenge for the title but, long term, his age and wages will surely mean evolving the make up of the midfield. Arsenal could cash in on him now.
Big season for Martinelli
After an injury hit season, Gabi comes into this season with a positive pre-season and looking sharp. However, everyone is saying that he needs to start delivering. Not for one second is anyone questioning his effort. Against Wolves, he was tireless with his running. What needs to improve is his end product. Comparing him to Saka may be unfair but Saka can have quiet spells in games but still come away with a goal and an assist. Martinelli can run his socks off for 5 games and come away with nothing. There's a possibility that his Scrappy-Do energy is used to tire out defences before the likes of Trossard or Jesus are introduced to take full advantage. The counter to that is that the very best teams have players whose game-changing impact is without question. This season is for him to prove his worth or, moving forward, an alternative solution could be found on the left.
Zinny the lightning rod
Like Xhaka before him, Mustafi before him and so on and so on, it seems Arsenal fans always need a scapegoat for any of the team's deficiencies. At the moment, that player is Zinchenko. While he does get caught in possession or misplaces a pass on occasion, that can overlook the fact he is playing a hybrid position which requires him to step into midfield and take risks with the ball: keep it under pressure, play progressive passes to start attacks. He's bound to get caught out. Were Partey the all-action counter attack stopper that he once was (see above), then perhaps Zinchenko's lapses wouldn't have such a high level of consequence. A lot of debate is being had about the left back position. Arteta is clearly a loyal fan of Zinchenko (who's mentality and personality was exactly what we needed a short time ago). However, as the team evolves, many crave a calmer head in that position. Tomiyasu's fitness is regularly in question (plus he's more naturally right-sided) and Timber is himself returning from a long spell out. Here and now, the solution is unlikely to be in the transfer market so expect a rotating cast at left back.
Ready Eddie Go!
Finally, it's all about the transfer market. Eddie Nketiah has been a great servant to Arsenal but most now agree that he is unlikely to suddenly turn into a 20/25 goal a season striker so it's time to cash in. Where debate is to be had is how that exit comes about. Most fans want it both ways: Eddie has to go but he has to go for a high price. While both would be nice, both might not be possible. A deal with Marseille has already fallen through while one or two other suitors have gone elsewhere in the transfer market. His wages and any sort of free would give Arteta and Edu room in the squad for additions but, because the club's ability to sell has come under scrutiny, many want Arsenal to hold out for 30, maybe even 40, million. Other factors include the premier league cracking down on PSR rules, the player's needs, more than one club bidding for the player. Either way, Eddie looks highly likely to leave but for how much, who knows?