Arsenal's Season Starts Now

Arsenal’s season kicks off against Norwich at 3pm this Saturday at Emirates Stadium… at least that is the way the team need to think about it.

After a disastrous August losing to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City whilst not scoring a single Premier League goal, the best way to approach the post international break resumption is by starting fresh. Acting as if those games did not happen is not the ideal situation Arsenal hoped to be in at this stage, but it is vital they separate themselves from those games.

It has the feel of a new season.

Since the last time Arsenal played, they have added Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day and welcomed back Ben White, Gabriel Maghalães and Thomas Partey into training.

As a result, there is a freshness and excitement about the team who will be close to full strength for the first time this season against Norwich.

I expect Arteta will go with the team above. With the struggles of Holding and Mari in Arsenal's opening games, Arteta will want to get Gabriel and White up to speed as soon as possible. Since Tomiyasu arrived in England on Thursday, it would be a surprise if he was thrown straight into the team for his debut, and I suspect Arteta will want to save Maitland-Niles as a midfield substitute. With Elneny's hamstring injury and Xhaka's suspension, Partey looks set to return alongside Lokonga. There is a slight doubt over Smith Rowe feeling "unwell" so Pépé could come in to replace him.

One of the few positives from Arsenal's desperate August have been the performances of Albert Sambi Lokonga who has impressed since joining from Anderlecht.

The Belgian midfielder has stood out, albeit in a poor Gunners side, with his ability to receive the ball under pressure and either set off on a dribble or pass the ball to a teammate ahead. Thus far we have only seen him next to Granit Xhaka but the return of Thomas Partey could unlock another level of Lokonga’s play.

In a recent interview, Edu named Partey as “a very good, talented player” who can “lead” the younger players, so it is expected that he will take up a mentorship role with Lokonga as their partnership grows over the course of the season. Two dynamic, forward thinking midfielders at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield will drive the team on.

Arsenal's start to the season was not good enough, but within the context has been injuries, Covid-19 cases and difficult fixtures. Even still performances were not up to scratch. But Arsenal, and in the short term Arteta, cannot be judged off August.

Coming up Arsenal face Norwich (H), Burnley (A), Wimbledon in the EFL Cup (H), Tottenham (H), Brighton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (H), Leicester City (A) and Watford (H). It is unrealistic to suggest Arsenal will win all of those 9 games but, bar the away trip to King Power Stadium, Arsenal are more than capable of winning each of those fixtures.

These 9 games will be what Arsenal and Arteta are judged on. Now there are no excuses to hide behind.

The additional benefit Arsenal have over those they wish to be competing with is that they have no European Football, giving them a week to prepare and rest each game. This time should help the new signings acclimatise to Arteta's tactics quickly and help to manage injuries within the squad.

The only extra games Arsenal have to play are in the EFL Cup, and with Wimbledon at home the next tie, Arteta should be able to comfortably rotate his side to give the likes of Martinelli, Balogun and Patino some minutes.

It is a crucial two months ahead for both the manager and the club.

Arsenal host Norwich at 3pm this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are in search of their first goals and first win of the new Premier League season with Norwich also looking for their first points.

The Gunners have won their last 5 meetings at home against the Canaries and the boost of their returnees should drive them on to a win. Despite all of the difficulties thus far, it is hard to see Arsenal not winning this weekend.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 - 0 Norwich

Adam Perry - 10/09/2021