Though Arsenal started their new season with back to back defeats against the reigning champions Manchester City and their Europa League companion, there are plenty of positives to be taken from both the games. Unai Emery’s first two games as the Arsenal boss ended up in defeats, but some of his new signings along with the old Gunners did show that they are capable of bringing the glory days back for the Gooners.
The 19-year-old boy from France deserves some applause for his confident performance. Guendouzi was certainly a stand-out player in both the games. The boy from Lorient stood out and played his role immaculately as a CM. He made tackles, interceptions and started off attacks with much confidence. The 19-year-old was Unai’s second signing, and a risky one, but the boy didn’t fail to perform. He looked dull in the starting minutes against City, as moving into a league like the Premier League is never an easy task, but he picked up pace pretty quickly and improved in no time.
Emery said in an interview,
“It’s his first match here in the Premier League. ‘He has personality and quality and if he is on the pitch he is improving very quickly.’
Emery subbed off Granit Xhaka and not Guendouzi for Torreria, and that shows the trust and belief Emery has put in the young boy.
Against City, Lichsteiner helped the team defensively, as his experience and wise sense of knowledge came handy for the Gunners. However, the former Dortmund centre-back Sokratis didn’t look comfortable. Chambers might get a chance in the next game.
Unai Emery is clearly trying to bring his style to the Emirates, and the Gunners are working on it. We saw them creating attacks from the back and pressing high up on the pitch in both the games. His idea of having a fast-paced counter-attacking game might help Arsenal win games but it also has some drawbacks of its own.
It was quite clear from their first game itself that Arsenal will be playing a pressing game, but the North London side had a tough time getting the ball back from City. Pep’s understanding and knowledge about football are second to none and it seems like his team has got all the qualities of the legendary Barcelona team under Guardiola. Arsenal still found it a bit difficult to hold on to the ball as City’s pressing was levels above to that of Arsenal.
Arsenal created chances in abundance throughout the two games, but the strikers didn’t capitalize on any one of them, and this is a bit worrisome for the coach. Aubameyang, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan and Ozil had enough chances to change the scoreline, but each one of them failed to make the difference.