Arsenal’s win over United: A promising start, but work remains
The yin and yang of emotions in football as Gabriel and Matheus Cunha react to the final whistle. / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal may have started the season with a victory over Manchester United, but the performance revealed there is still work to be done if they are to replicate or surpass their achievements from last season.
Viktor Gyökeres, notably, failed to register a single shot in his debut, ending a streak of 69 consecutive league games with at least one shot. This drought raises concerns about his readiness to make an immediate impact, despite his £64 million price tag.
Mikel Arteta’s side have adopted a more direct style of play this year, aiming to unlock Gyökeres’ full potential. However, the Swedish striker looked short of match sharpness, and Arteta acknowledged that Gyökeres’ pressing is still a work in progress. “It’s something we have to work on,” the manager said.
Arteta also pointed to missed opportunities to stretch United’s defence, which would have played to Gyökeres’ strengths. “We missed seven or eight situations when the ball is completely open to play through,” Arteta said, suggesting his side failed to fully capitalise on key attacking moments.
While the win is encouraging, Arsenal know that refining their new approach and getting Gyökeres firing will be essential if they’re to take the next step this season.
