Match report – Participant scores – Arteta response – Video
There’s all the time a buzz forward of the primary house recreation of the brand new season, and yesterday was no exception. This time although, it wasn’t simply in regards to the recreation itself, it was a couple of new addition to the squad. Eberechi Eze’s switch from Crystal Palace was introduced half an hour earlier than kick-off, and the participant’s arrival on the pitch at 5.20 was met with rapturous applause.
What a second for the 27 yr outdated whose profession has come full circle. Launched by Arsenal at 13 years of age, again as soon as once more, like some sort of renegade grasp, 14 years later. The smile on his face instructed you all the pieces you wanted to know, and it set the scene for what was to return.
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Mikel Arteta handed a primary begin to Noni Madueke on the left, and the remainder of the group was roughly as you’d anticipate. I believe we began fairly brightly, however the recreation fell into a well-recognized sample the place our domination of possession for Leeds to sit down deep, and we lacked penetration within the ultimate third. Generally you want craft to make the breakthrough, generally a sledgehammer, and generally all you want is a nook. Particularly for those who’re Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber’s good header from Declan Rice’s very good supply broke the impasse, and eased among the stress. Simply earlier than the break, Rice’s trade gained again possession, Martin Zubimendi discovered Timber, his move set Bukayo Saka free and his right-footed shot whizzed past the keeper for 2-0. It actually felt like a purpose we would have liked, and a purpose that Saka himself wanted.
Sadly although, he picked up an damage early within the second half. It appears to be like like a hamstring pressure, this time on the opposite leg, and he was clearly in some discomfort when he got here off. That damage was clearly compounded by the lack of Martin Odegaard within the first half, the captain compelled off with a shoulder downside after touchdown awkwardly when he was fouled in midfield. It was largely an excellent day yesterday, however dropping these two gamers forged a little bit of a shadow – not least as a result of we go to Anfield subsequent week. Afterwards, Mikel Arteta mentioned:
That’s why the squad must be well-equipped. It’s going to be a protracted, lengthy season. And we’re going to wish a variety of gamers as a way to obtain what we would like.
Individuals have requested the place is Eze going to play. I don’t suppose we have to fear about that an excessive amount of, to be sincere. In a single week we’ve picked up accidents to Saka, Odegaard and Havertz – key males in Arteta’s set-up – so we’re going to wish to make use of the complete extent of our squad. It’s a huge concern to have these accidents in clusters like this, however you would need to say the squad appears to be like in first rate form to have the ability to cope.
Let’s get again to the great things although. With the highlight on Viktor Gyokeres – and Gary Neville’s relentless chirping on Sky Sports activities including to the exterior noise across the summer time signing – he actually wanted a purpose yesterday. There was a primary half probability that he snatched at, however early within the second a ball excessive from Riccardo Calafiori gave the Swedish striker an opportunity to run into area after which on the Leeds defence. He drove into the field and completed effectively on the close to submit to make it 3-0 and get himself off the mark in pink and white.
I don’t know if it’s fairly the trademark purpose they have been attempting to make out on TV afterwards, however there’s no query that he’s actually efficient in these moments, and in these areas. The actual fact he received one other from the spot late on could have added some gloss to his day, and it’s in all probability vital to notice that he received a full 90 minutes beneath his belt. By his personal admission his pre-season hasn’t been superb, so that may have been actually helpful too. All in all, a stable day for Gyokeres who unveiled his normal celebration, but additionally confirmed off a brand new one in response to on-line chatter about his Outdated Trafford efficiency final week.
Timber added the fourth 10 minutes into the second half, poking house from shut vary when Leeds did not cope with one other wonderful Rice nook supply. What a day for the Dutchman, by the best way. It’s a bit mad to say a participant who received two objectives and an help was in all probability overshadowed by a few others – one among whom didn’t even play – however he may be more than happy along with his efficiency and contribution.
So, with half an hour to go and the sport basically gained, Arteta made a triple change, within the course of handing debuts to Cristhian Mosquera, who got here on at right-back and did effectively, and likewise 15 yr outdated Max Dowman who’s now our second youngest participant ever after Ethan Nwaneri. I believe there could be a few senior gamers on that bench smarting that they didn’t get on, however the context was good for bringing on such a younger participant, and I’m glad that’s what the supervisor did. It raised the thrill ranges in a recreation which everybody knew was performed and dusted, and the desire for him to supply one thing was palpable.
There have been a few photographs, one wonderful run down the suitable which noticed the Leeds full-back booked (a bit harshly, to be honest) as he took Dowman down. After which in damage time, Dowman’s trickery contained in the field noticed him fouled, and the ref pointed to the spot. I don’t actually perceive any criticism of the participant right here, and I believe any grown-up pundit getting into on a 15 yr outdated actually wants to provide their head a wobble this morning. You’re targetting a literal baby when you would concentrate on all of the positives in his efficiency which, by the best way, consists of the ability he confirmed that led to the penalty being awarded.
Gyokeres slammed it house, 5-0, a clear sheet, and hundreds to love about our first house recreation of the season. You’ll be able to see we’re nonetheless a piece in progress, not helped by the very fact we preserve dropping vital gamers to damage too, however you may’t argue with what we produced on the pitch yesterday. Afterwards, Arteta mentioned:
It’s precisely how we wished to start out the primary recreation, we gained in a very convincing manner. You may sense one thing, particularly within the environment earlier than the match. I believe we’ve got to be very pleased with the best way we performed, the best way we dominated the sport, not conceding any photographs virtually, and the clear sheet.
On high of that, a variety of good moments. Viktor scoring his first two objectives for the membership, I’m thrilled and delighted for Jurrien after that very long time after injuring his ankle and the hours that he’s put in with all of the physios and the medical division to attain two objectives at Emirates Stadium, very particular. Mosquera making his debut as effectively for the membership, after which one of many highlights, with none query of a doubt, Max coming in at 15 and making his debut and profitable a penalty. So, very proud.
As I mentioned, the accidents forged a shadow, however that’s why we did what we did within the switch market this summer time. If Saka is out for some time, then we’ve got Madueke to play on his most well-liked facet – and I believe he was simpler there. I believe it flew beneath the radar a bit yesterday with all the pieces else that was occurring, however I actually favored Nwaneri’s efficiency when he changed Odegaard. It wasn’t spectacular, nevertheless it was extremely tidy and environment friendly when it comes to how we performed. Within the 60 minutes or so he was on the pitch, he didn’t misplace a single move, and in what’s a comparatively new position for him on this group (having performed totally on the suitable final season), he regarded very assured.
All in all although, a great way to kick off the house season. I believe we will play higher, however for those who’re saying that after you’ve gained 5-0, then you definately’re in all probability in fairly first rate form general. Let’s see how the week performs out with accidents, however we’ve received the factors on the board earlier than we face Liverpool subsequent weekend, and so they have what’s going to be an intense recreation at Newcastle tomorrow evening to deal with.
Proper, I’ll depart it there for now. You’ll be able to be part of myself and James tomorrow for an Arsecast Additional, have an amazing Sunday – and be careful for some extra Eze stuff on the official website sooner or later at the moment!
