Mikel Arteta is already having to defend himself as manager of Arsenal after two victories and a draw. They could have, and should have, easily won this game, but this year’s strategies and lineups don’t seem to be working. If they do not continue to lead the challenge to reigning champions Manchester City and make an impact in the Champions League, the Spaniard and his players will struggle to live up to the expectations that have been raised by the club’s swift transformation into title contenders.
Due to the lack of patience in the modern game, he knows that this weekend’s visit from Manchester United has extra significance for both clubs that are struggling to perform to their potential. He did not try to hide his disappointment in not being able to win this game; conceding goals inside the first and 87th minutes were as good as own goals.
Although it is widely believed that Arteta will further modify his early-season experimentation for the visit of Erik ten Hag’s struggling side, he is a young master at keeping spectators, players, and opponents guessing as to his next move.
When I questioned him about his team selection for this game, he confirmed it, leaving the important Eddie Nketiah and Alex Zinchenko on the bench and sticking with Thomas Partey as an inverted right back at the expense of finding a spot for Brazil defender Gabriel.
It’s challenging to leave out all the players, he replied. Many players who haven’t yet played are on the bench, in my opinion. Even though we only play once a week now, our preparation for the Champions League will be very different when we play twice as often.
“We were 10 times better than last season in the game against Fulham this time, compared to last season.”. We appeared better this season. ” .
It almost sounded like a promise that he would change his lineup and strategy for Sunday. After all, in a rivalry between these proud old clubs that dates back to 1904, Fulham came close to stealing their first-ever away win. It would have said more about Arteta’s Arsenal than any notable improvement in Marco Silva’s team from last season or the previous 120 years had Palhinha’s late equalizer been followed by a winner, and substitute Adama Traore was only denied by a brilliant Aaron Ramsdale stop.
After only 57 seconds, Bukayo Saka’s careless back pass epitomized Arsenal’s sloppy approach to the game. He gave Andreas Pereira the opportunity to score from a distance. Fulham wasn’t really in danger until Nketiah, Zinchenko, and the outstanding Fabio Vieira entered the game. In the 83rd minute, Calvin Bassey was rightfully dismissed for receiving a second caution, but rather than demoralizing the team, it seemed to inspire them.
Vieira was scythed down, and Saka scored from the ensuing penalty. Nketiah scored for Arsenal after a precise Vieira cross. The smart money is on Nketiah to return to the starting lineup after a gamble on Leandro Trossard failed, barring a risk on just-fit-again Gabriel Jesus. The young English forward, who is Arteta’s most outspoken player, said following the game that he was happy with his recent streak of 14 goals in his last 16 home starts.
We must take note of our errors from the game’s conclusion so that we can play United the following week with more strength.
Everyone who wasn’t selected to start is disappointed. I believe I am performing well and assisting the team. But all you need to do is be prepared when it’s time and respect the manager’s choice. Obviously, I was required at halftime and able to assist the team. ” .
Prior to his superb finish against Fulham, Nketiah also scored in the opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest and was the aggressor when Crystal Palace’s game-winning penalty was awarded last week.
“Individually I feel like I am contributing a lot to the team in terms of goals, and I just want to do more to help the team win games,” he continued. We will put a lot of effort into the Manchester United game in order to make things right and earn three points. “.Palhinha, a late goal scorer, was Fulham’s best player. In order to avoid receiving a yellow card, he said, “I had to restrain myself from leaping into the stands. I’m trying to return to my top form because this is my first start of the year following an injury. “.
Looking through the transfer window will add additional interest this week for supporters of both teams. Both in Saudi Arabia and close to home, Gabriel has admirers. He is expected to remain, but his continued absence would indicate he might leave for the right compensation. The defender Kieran Tierney is headed to Spain on loan, and the forward Folarin Balogun appears to be headed for Monaco. According to rumors, Arsenal is planning to sign Barcelona defender Eric Garcia if everything works out.
Silva has said he wants to sign five new players this week because he has money to spend after Aleksandar Mitrovic, a striker, left for Saudi Arabia for £46 million. On Tuesday, they play host to Tottenham in the League Cup, and on Saturday, they travel to Manchester City.
ARSENAL: Ramsdale 6 Partey 7 (Zinchenko 56), White 6, Saliba 6, Kiwior 6, Rice 7 (Jesus 90), Odegaard 7 (Jorginho 84), Havertz 5 (Vieira 56), saka 6, Trossard 5 (Nketiah 45), and Martinelli 6. .
Fulham: Leno 7; Tete 5; Diop 6; Bassey 4; Robinson 7; Palhinha 7; Lukic 6 (Reed 70); Andreas 7; Wilson 6 (Traore 71); Jimenez 6; Cordova-Reid 6 (Tosin 89); and Andreas 7. .
Ref: Paul Tierney 4.
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