Arsenal vs Brighton: Team to win, Players to watch, and Arteta's strongest line-up

By Danong

Arsenal and Brighton open this weekend's PL action in the early kickoff on Saturday. The Seagulls, like the North Londoners, still have a perfect record this new PL campaign, so when the two sides clash, something has to give.

 

 Under new tactician Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton have beaten Everton 3-0 and thrashed Manchester United 2-1. They will be hoping to outmanoeuvre Arsenal, who have already defeated Wolves and Aston Villa with identical 2-0 victories in their first 2 games of the season.

 

According to some prediction sites, Arsenal, who've won the last two meetings (against Brighton) 3-0 and 2-0, are the favourites going into that clash. However, this fixture has consistently been tight, with most wins occurring in the second half. Of the 14 goals scored when the two clashed in the league, 11 came in the second half.

 

Speaking of goals, Arsenal, ever since the start of last season, have only failed to score twice at home (versus West Ham and Aston Villa). Therefore, you can confidently predict that the Gunners will score; in fact, many believe that star player Kai Havertz, who strangely failed to score or assist last weekend, will resume his goal-scoring ways.

In his last 9 PL games of last season, the German scored 8 goals and 7 assists; he then assisted and scored in this season's match day 1, hinting he'd carried that form to this season.

Bukayo Saka, along with Havertz, is an exciting player to watch in the game. The Englishman with a goal and two assists already this season has been off to a stellar start; he's looked sharp despite the Euros disappointments, losing to Spain with England in the European Championship Finals.

On the other hand, Brighton's Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro are players to watch out for. Welbeck, who's scored two in two games, could just be finding his stride and may get his first league goal against his former employer, Arsenal. 

Joao Pedro, aiming to enhance his impressive performance of scoring 20 goals across all categories last season, anticipates posing a threat to the Arsenal defence in the free role he has taken this new season.

 

Arsenal will need to be defensively solid and sustain their form against Brighton, who haven't been able to score past them in the last 2 games.

 

I anticipate that Mikel Arteta will field his strongest team, which couldn't be stronger than

 

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Partey, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Havertz, Trossard

 

Why those 11? Since he's still acclimatising to the team, Riccardo Calafiori is unlikely to start, but he could be a bench option. Trossard replaces Gabriel Martinelli, who needs the perfect reminder to step up his game.

That said, what would you change in Arsenal's predicted lineup above for the clash with Brighton?

Some Gunners need to improve but others excelled

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

In a show of strength and a chance to rewrite the wrongs of last season, Arsenal picked up a much-needed win against Aston Villa. Last season two points denied Arsenal league glory.

The Arsenal players, well-fired and hungry to send Villa back to where they belong, stepped up and picked up an important 2-0 win. 

Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey etched their names on the scoresheet. There were some Gunners who shone. On the other hand there were others that didn't.

David Raya (10): He continued to prove why Arteta trusted him, snubbing the legendary Rambo. He made an excellent reflex save to deny Ollie Watkins his first goal of the season; the Englishman dived to nod in the rebound from an Amadou Onana shot that hit the crossbar. He also made a couple of other saves.

Both chances created by Villa were not a result of curving us open or of superior play. But if Raya had not saved Watkins header the result may have been different.

Ben White (7): He was solid as always and ready to do anything to force that win. He powered forward much more in the second half which helped Saka and Odegaard create havoc in that part of the pitch. His 'unintended' kick of the ball against McGinn's midriff was also entertaining.

William Saliba (9): He is who he thinks he is—one of the best defenders currently in the league. He pocketed Ollie Watkins, who was a thorn in Arsenal's flesh last season. Had a great game and came out strong in the end.

Gabriel (5.5): He was at fault for the Watkins chance in the first half when he dithered on the ball which allowed Bailey the chance to overpower him. Overall Gabriel did not look confident enough especially in the first half misplacing some of his passes.

Jurrien Timber (7): He performed well in his first start in a competitive match for Arsenal since picking up an ACL injury at the start of last season. Bailey didn't have a free run against the Dutchman, like he did against Oleksandr Zinchenko last season. 

Timber was very good, justifying Arteta starting him and likely to continue starting in the first eleven (unless the physios decide that he needs resting). What a back five Arsenal have now...

Thomas Partey (6): He put up a decent performance but there were occasions where he lost the ball. The freedom Rodgers had to slalom through the middle on a few occasions casts a doubt if Partey can play the 6 role effectively. He came up with a goal though!

Declan Rice (5): Playing as an 8 wasn’t at his best. In fact he hasn't been at his best so far in the first two games of the season. He wasn't influential and he looked very tired. Maybe he is still tired from the Euros.

Martin Odegaard (6): He wasn't at his best and once again (like he does at Villa Park) missed a fantastic goal-scoring opportunity to make it 3-0. He was decent but could have done better.

Bukayo Saka (8): He had a fine first-half strike saved by Emi Martinez. Villa doubled up on him every chance they got, but he still found more space in the second half. In fact, he was responsible for creating both goals.

Kai Havertz (5): He wasn't as influential as we've known him to be. Hoever it was his action that got the ball onto Trossard's path. The defender tried to stop him and ended up directing the ball to Trossard, who scored.

Gabriel Martinelli (5): He was outstanding defensively and tracked back to help Timber. But he struggled offensively showing a lack of confidence to take his marker head on and drive past him. He was opting to cut back onside and pass the ball back or square. This is not our Martinelli and we hope he finds top form soon!

Leandro Trossard (7): He was introduced in the second half and breathed life into the left wing and the whole team by scoring with his first touch. He's on fire! He should definitely start the next game ahead of Martinelli. 


Ricardo Calafiori and Reiss Nelson (N/A): They looked quiet sharp but came on when the job was taken care of.

Villa vs Arsenal: four important team selection changes compared to last season's line ups

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal finished last season with five wins in a row and begun this campaign like they never left in a dominating home win against Wolves.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, eager to go for the kill, fielded his strongest line-up, which (especially in the first half) proved too much for Gary O'Neill's side.

The next game is against Aston Villa this weekend at Villa Park and one may wonder if it is wrong for Arteta to tinker with that victorious lineup.

But we would urge Arteta not to stick with the same team selection.

Zinchenko had an okay game against the Wolves but there were signs that he was again struggling defensively.

If the Ukrainian international were to start against Villa, he'd be up against the explosive Leon Bailey who "cooked" him twice last season. 

The Jamaican superstar would be salivating at the idea of once again going 1v1 with the Arsenal fullback.

After replacing the former Manchester City star, Timber excelled against the Wolves, showcasing his defensive confidence and ball progression skills.

His presence will make the team more defensively sound and help to nullify Bailey's pace and trickery.

So aside from Timber making his first start this season, we would urge Arteta not to make any alterations to the lineup that began against the Wanderers.

But what is equally important is that this would also mean that compared to last season's team selection, which was the same for both the home and away defeats, Arteta will make three more important changes in the line up:

Partey will come in for Havertz in midfield who will move to the number 9 position. He will replace Jesus who will be on the bench. Also Martinelli will replace Trossard.

These are important changes. Strengthening the midfield, adding more pace on the right wing and more importantly posing a significant goal threat may prove decisive. 

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Partey, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

One thing Arsenal need to do this season is to finally squash Villa. 

A comfortable away victory over the Unai Emery-led team would undoubtedly signal Arsenal's considerable strength and impressive development over the last few years under Arteta.

Some were magnificent but others were bang average: Player ratings vs Wolves

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Beating Wolves 2-0 (goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka) on Saturday afternoon continued Arsenal's winning streak from last season.

Overall the team looked a little bit off their top best which gave Wolves the chance to have the ball more than you would expect. As a result they were in the game and had their chances until Saka's goal.

Let's hope the team is back to full fitness for what looks like a very difficult game at Villa next week.

Against the Wanderers, most Gunners showed up, but who really stood out? Here are our Arsenal player ratings:

● David Raya: The European champion was brilliant. In the 35th minute, he made an incredible save to deny Larsen, and he continued to make outstanding saves and playing the ball out of the back to keep things going.  8

● Ben White: The Englishman played primarily as the third centre back and did not win any duels of note until the closing five minutes of the game. Did not influence the game in the forward positions as much as he is capable of doing. 6.

● Oleksandr Zinchenko: The Ukrainian international didn't step up and appeared to be a weak link misplacing passes even in a game where he wasn't put under any sort of pressure when on the ball. You can imagine what a liability he will prove to be when the opponents target him.  He performed poorly and failed to justify being given the nod to start at left back. 5

 ● Thomas Partey: The Ghana international excelled defensively and created chances like a No. 10. He faded away early in the second half and looked unsure of himself giving the ball away which could have created risky situations for our goal. He needs to cut this out of his game. 7

● Martin Odegaard: The Norwegian drives Arsenal's creative play. However, he did not display the ruthlessness that he should have in his duels. He seems a notch below his very top best. 7

● Declan Rice: The Englishman made some effective short passes in the final third. He served as an excellent link between the attack and midfield but he was clearly not match-fit. He needs to improve fast. 6

● Bukayo Saka: Like Rice, he didn't look match-fit as well. Even so the cross for Havertz's goal was magnificent. His goal was also magnificent. Could have scored more but he wielded influence throughout the game.  9

● Kai Havertz: The German international, while leading the attack, demonstrated excellent pressing skills and scored with a wonderful header from a Saka assist. Later, he returned the favour to Saka, providing an assist for his goal. Arteta has turned him into quite a star. 8.5

● William Saliba: The Frenchman was colossal throughout the game. But he also made a mistake and gifted Cunha an excellent opportunity to score. Fortunately for him, the Wolves striker squandered it. 6

● Gabriel: The Brazilian defender didn't have to do much defensively but what he did he did well. 7

● Gabriel Martinelli: The Brazilian international was lively but he was lacking that final correct pass or shot. He was however quite involved in the game but kept making selfish decisions which he needs to eradicate from his game. 6

●Jurrien Timber: The Dutchman's introduction restored sense at left-back and was solid, with moments of brilliance. He should be in contention with Calafiori to start next game. 7

● Leandro Trossard: The Belgian international didn't have much to do and didn't influence the game. He would have probably made the correct decisions had he started the game in place of Martinelli though. 5

●Gabriel Jesus: Other than his excellent ball carrying and receiving a yellow card, the Brazilian striker did not contribute significantly. 5

Calafiori debut, Trossard starts? Is this the strongest line-up Arteta fields for the Arsenal versus Wolves league opener?

By Danong

The Premier League is finally back after a protracted wait. Our Gunners, who host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, will be trying to build on where they left off last season.

Given that the Gunners have won all of their last three Premier League home games against Wolves, there is cause to assume that this continue. Still Mikel Arteta would have to field the strongest team he can in order to maximise the chances to achieve it.

I certainly expect David Raya to start on goal.

Ben White at right-back, William Saliba and Gabriel at central defence, and the new boy, Ricardo Calafiori if fit, can take over at left-back to make the Arsenal back 4. Otherwise Zinchenko will get the nod.

Had Mikel Merino joined, he would have been in contention to start in midfield, but he hasn't. So I expect Thomas Partey to start as a 6, while Declan Rice plays as the LCM and Martin Odegaard as the RCM. This is a really strong midfield.

I anticipate Gabriel Martinelli to be on the left with Trossard ready to come on when needed. Bukayo Saka on the right, and Kai Havertz to spearhead the offensive, forming a formidable attacking trio.
The line up:

Raya
White-Saliba-Gabriel-Zinchenko/ Calafiori
Partey-Rice-Odegaard
Saka-Havertz-Martinelli

On paper and if Calafiori starts Arteta could field the strongest Arsenal line-up we might ever see this season.

This is a team capable of putting up a dominant display for a big win against the Wolves to kick off the 2024–25 campaign in style.

Last season, laxity in the first half of the campaign cost the Gunners the title. This time round, with redemption in mind, after missing out on the league title by 2 points on the last day of last season, getting off to a bright start is key.

Could £25m star be the answer to the Arsenal-Alexander Isak transfer wish?

By Danong

Back in May, the Independent revealed that Alexander Isak was Mikel Arteta's top transfer target, with indications that this summer Arsenal would go all out to reinforce their attack with a top striker.

Newcastle's £100 million plus Isak's asking price prevented Arsenal from converting their interest into a bid; therefore, Arsenal went for another option, Benjamin Sesko.

But Sesko turned down Arsenal to stay with RB Leipzig.

Due to their inability to recruit their top striking targets, the Gunners cooled their interest probably because they thought there was no better target than the ones they identified.

Despite the emergence of the idea of signing a dynamic winger (after cooling interest in strikers), the Gunners have yet to sign one.

That being said, what if I told you that Arsenal could sign Isak 2.0 for just £25 million?

Lille is open to selling Jonathan David if it receives a £25 million transfer offer. If you're a Gooner, you'll acknowledge that David's transfer links with the club are not new. 

But although the club has never presented a formal bid for his services, the time may have come.

So why would Arsenal pursue Jonathan David?

When comparing Isak's and David's figures from last season, it's fair to assume that with the Ligue 1 striker, you'll still get what the Newcastle player has to offer.

David only played four more games than Isak, yet they both had 23 goal involvements, and as seen below, he performed better in the other parameters. 

David had a greater shot on target accuracy, better passing accuracy, won more aerial duels, and had a higher shoot on target per 90-minute ratio.


Games played
David: 34
Isak: 30

Goals and assists
David: 23
Isak: 23

Shots on target accuracy
David: 57%
Isak: 50%

Pass accuracy
David: 82%
Isak: 78%

Aerials won
David: 24%
Isak: 20%

Shots on target per 90
David: 1.5
Isak: 1.4

Given Arteta's desire for Isak, bringing David on board might provide his attack with just what he seeks from his fantasy striker.

Imposing Hale End star, the ultimate Thomas Partey heir, looks set to save Arteta millions

By Danong

Could Mikel Arteta have already found the ideal Thomas Partey heir? And are we fortunate that he has given us the pleasure of watching him in the past few weeks?

The Gunners have spent the last three weeks on a pre-season tour in the United States, where they have had the opportunity to play pre-season friendly matches against Premier League opponents Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Aside from the 2-1 loss against the Reds, our Gunners won all of the other friendly games.

The preseason allows players to remind managers of their abilities and persuade them to incorporate them into their plans for the upcoming season.

Mikel Arteta handed academy star Myles Lewis Skelly a chance in preseason (he appeared in every game in the United States), and he took advantage of it.

For the past few months, academy coaches have been training Lewis Skelly, a midfielder, to play inverted left-back.

Watching the 17-year-old play fullback and outperform Oleksander Zinchenko, as he did in his cameo against Liverpool, brings back memories of the Bukayo Saka left-back period, when the Arsenal right-winger initially emerged.

Anyway, why is Lewis Skelly playing out of position? Coaches can experiment with players in various roles early in their development to produce exceptionally adaptable and high-IQ football players.

Given the "lack of room" in the Arsenal midfield, it's likely that Arteta, who has other plans for Lewis Skelly, is simply acclimatising the youngster to the first team as a left back, similar to Saka's introduction as a fullback, before moving to the right wing.

You're probably wondering how Lewis Skelly, playing as an inverted fullback, transforms him into the perfect 6, the Thomas Partey heir.

Playing left-back teaches the Hale End star how to dominate the tempo in possession and strike the right balance between progressive and slow play.

While out of possession, he will improve as a 1v1 defender when isolated against wingers, as well as learn to be a 1v1 dominator, for which he possesses many of the necessary traits.

Lewis Skelly's experience at left back could lead to him becoming a more well-rounded 6 as a Partey replacement, while also being able to play inverted left-back and even LCM if needed.

Ethan Nwaneri has received a lot of hype ahead of next season, but Lewis Skelly could also have a breakout season as well.