Arsenal found their mojo as they dismantled Athletic Club with a commanding display on Saturday. Following consecutive pre-season friendly defeats, only a win would have sufficed for the supporters ahead of the game, and the Gunners duly delivered as they put in an assertive performance to seal the win.
There were much-improved displays from almost every single player, much to the delight of Mikel Arteta, with the new season just a week away. The biggest positive from the encounter was the continued integration of the new arrivals into the squad. Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres all featured significantly, while the last two even combined for the opening goal of the contest. Gyökeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz scored the three goals of the game, and Gooners should be excited by the players who scored (barring Bukayo Saka).
Gyökeres and Havertz both impress
Gyökeres opened the scoring in the first half, while Havertz, the man who replaced him in the second half, scored the second. Both completely different players, their goals were equally dissimilar. Gyökeres scored via a lovely header from a pinpoint delivery from Zubimendi – so much for the concerns over his aerial ability – while Havertz scored from a run and finish.
The Sweden international played well in the encounter. Without going overboard with the praise, he actually played a good game. He took his goal well, and we also got to see his all-round play. While it was just a friendly match, fans should be excited by the depth of options Arsenal now have up top. The much-maligned Kai Havertz now boasts a more physical build, a firm indicator that he is not just there to play second fiddle to Gyökeres. His goal was very un-Havertz-like, and it depicts a player hungry to retain his place in the starting line-up.
Gyökeres will become the undisputed first choice – he probably already is – a position further strengthened by his display against Athletic Club, but Havertz will be breathing down his neck for a starting berth.
Strength in depth could prove decisive
Following the events of the previous campaign, the importance of strength in depth cannot be overemphasised, especially at centre-forward. Arsenal should not have found themselves in a position where they had to make do with a makeshift option in such an important position.
The contrasting profiles of Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz will also provide Mikel Arteta with options, and that could prove crucial as the Gunners seek to win major silverware. Considering Mikel Arteta reverted to a double pivot against Athletic Club, should the Spaniard consider utilising Gyökeres and Havertz in a front two?
Your thoughts appreciated in the comments.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Hopefully, it will be a breath of fresh air to have both Gyokeres and (by the looks of him a physically more intimidating) Havertz available. How we’ve come on now from the likes of Jesus as the striker (or that’s what his job description said anyway).
If Arteta can play them both it would be worth a go to see what happens. If it’s unsuccessful then that’s fair enough. Gyokeres is a born and bred striker though and, for all his positive attributes, Havertz isn’t really, but the option is something Arsenal hasn’t had.
Havertz may have become a better midfielder due to his learning experience as the main striker. Curious to see how MA will use him now, especially as a sub.
There’s a lot of talent in our attack. The upgrade is still needed on our LW. I hope the club finishes the job and can bring in one more player.
Perhaps Arteta considers Madueke to be a viable option for the left wing position.As far as i am aware being a nstural left footer is not an impediment to operating as a conventional winger on the left flank , indeed , in terms of crossing accurately, “conventional” beats “inverted” hands down.
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Arteta has clearly indicated that Madueke is an option on either flank. Given that he is stronger on his left he is likely to be better at crossing from the left. However, a winger’s role is not just about crossIng into the box.
Madueke provides added squad strength but he is not world class.
Yeah, but while we look out for an upgrade on the left wing, the playing style has to suit as well. The left back should give support and not inverting into midfield. It was clear when Calafiori played alongside with Martinelli yesterday, he gave support and stretched the width unlike Skelly inverting into midfield.