Those who had the opportunity to watch the Arsenal-Bayer Leverkusen friendly must have been impressed. The way we decimated a better-coached team like Leverkusen is not a joke. Arteta’s side, both with or without the ball were magnificent.
The team exerted significant pressure on the Bundesliga Champions, leaving most Gooners in awe, with some expressing that it was the best they had ever witnessed Arteta’s team perform. The 4-1 victory over Leverkusen, like every other pre-season game, provided an opportunity for players to prove themselves to the boss in the hopes of convincing the Boss that they have something to give. So, which players stood out for you Wednesday night?
David Raya: It felt wonderful to have the European champion back. We’d missed his excellent composure and great decision-making ability to clip over pressers, go long, or play short, which were on show Tuesday night.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Despite receiving a lot of criticism for his lack of skill as a defender, he performed admirably against Bayer Leverkusen, defending well, loading the midfield, and showing glimpses of his quality passing. He was on the scoresheet after scoring a fantastic goal from his exploits in the opposition’s box.
Kai Havertz: The striker was a menace to the Bayer Leverkusen players; he stretched the defence with his in-behind runs and crisp passes. He produced two assists and scored.
Gabriel Jesus: His body transformation has been a testament to his desire to get back to his best. He looked nearly back to his very best, agile and sharp, and took charge versus Leverkusen. He scored a fantastic goal, which should build his confidence in front of the goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: The academy star continues to stake a claim for a role in Arsenal’s first-team squad. He came on at halftime versus Leverkusen, was very good 1v1 defensively, and is clearly a progression monster.
Leandro Trossard: The Belgium reminded us of his brilliance. Against Leverkusen, he demonstrated his efficiency in finding the back of the net, and his combination play with fellow Gooners was also impressive.
What about you? Which players stood out for you?
Daniel O
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Zinchenco should play in the midfield. he will score more goals. He has abslutely nothing to do with the defence in any football team.
Havertz’s efficiency without noise will be critical for Arsenal this season. By the business end of last season, I’ll say he’s once and for all found his best position (Number 9), but watching him in pre-season and that ability to play as a left-sided Oodegard, I’m having a serious rethink. Against the lower teams, it will be a good idea to play him in the left-8 position but as a striker against top teams.
Trossard is another guy we also don’t give enough credit to at Arsenal, and I believe the reason is that we didn’t buy him for £80m. Arteta is very committed to Martinelli’s development. But Trossard guarantees goals and is more efficient on the left than Martinelli. For me, start him in games and bring in Martinelli later when the opposition defenders are getting tired. He can wear them out with his speed and aggressive play.
Jorginho doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. He is still playing like someone in his prime, except he is a bit short, pace-wise. But with skills and technicality, hes got loads of them
Astute observations,GO.
Myles Lewis-Skelly looks ready for the big time. Undecided on Nwaneri at this point. imo, this has been a very good preseason for many of our players but I’m concerned with Timber’s load bearing injury. I hope he is able to move his body in the same way now as before the knee injury.
Sell Partey and Kiwior now. Arsenal needs a 16 17 year to galvanise the fans like Rooney Ronaldo and Messi. I would love to see Pepe or Thiago Silva as Defence Coach for Arsenal. I think Cala would Bench G.Mangalles Before End of Season
Calafiori benching Gabriel is my biggest fear going into the season. I love Gabriel, but looking again and again at Ricardo, I’m super scared for Gabriel. Calafiori is more mobile, skilful, and at least equally adept at defending.
That will not happen
For me a player I thought didn’t have it is playing to such a high level….Kai Havertz. Gabriel Jesus too. Let’s pray he doesn’t get injured. I rate Ethan Nwaneri a lot. Leandro Trossard is our new Santi and he has magic in his feet.