Good result. Still some issues. Very happy to see Gyokeres get off the mark and I thought he was better than last game. Havertz goal was superb. He's always been quick but that pace was blistering. Odegaard really needs to up his game and get back to levels we saw in 23/24. Better defensively.
That goal is the type of goal I never had Havertz down as scoring and one of the key reasons why I wanted Gyokeres. Normally Havertz either doesn't get his shot off, kicks it straight at the keeper or missed the target altogether. That goal was amazing, it had everything I want in a top striker. Lets hope signing Gyokeres brings out the best in both of them.
Havertz has scored goals like that before - pace, strength, finish under pressure. It was not a surprise to me at all that he scored that goal. I keep going back to the point that he maintained a 6 month run of form as the best - or one of the best - strikers in the country in the 23/24 season. You don't do that unless you are top class. Havertz's challenge is to keep that level over a whole season and then keep going, but the OTT criticism of him has been ridiculous. I will be very happy if Gyokeres does as well as Havertz has for us - and over the moon if he does better.
I was at the game yesterday. We were dominant and totally in control, but I could sense a bit of nervousness around me the longer we went without scoring. Thankfully we scored 2 quick fire goals before HT and the mood changed, whilst the players seemed to feel more uplifted too because we exuded so much more confidence with how we played. Calafiori's marauding runs were fantastic. He used the ball so intelligently and was a real threat going forward, especially when he inverted. He's such a good player - I really hope he can stay fit because he's got so many top qualities that we could do with. The rest of the back 5 were solid, Rice was superb playing deeper and in a double pivot with Zubimendi (who I'll talk more about later). Hopefully we utilise Rice more like this and not in the pockets/half-spaces. Martinelli looked pretty sharp and threatening...up until his final ball (again). His intelligence in the final third is still pretty poor. Saka was Saka, I think we're used to expecting these performances from him. Gyokeres was impressive. For a player who isn't renowned for scoring headers, that was a lovely glanced one he scored (from a Zubmendi cross). He also did well running the channels and playing with his back to goal. Link up play was a bit scrappy at times, but he also played a big role in the 2nd goal we scored (lovely build-up though). Unfortunate to not get a 2nd goal. Zubimendi though...he was absolutely fantastic. If this is a sign of things to come, we're in for a treat. Controlled the tempo of the game, combative in the tackle, regained possession multiple times, bypassed the Bilbao press, some superb switches of play and a lovely floated cross for the opener. Madueke had a decent cameo too. Unlucky to not get an assist. I think some people online are going a bit overboard with how well they think he played, but it was a decent 45 from him. Let's hope we're ready now for the Old Trafford test...
Oh almost forgot - that Havertz goal was unreal. I was convinced he was gonna mess it up but he showed tremendous composure and strength to hold off the defender, and then finish that chance so confidently. It was actually only when I watched the replay of the goal that I saw just how much ground Havertz covered and the defender he outpaced. I hope we see more of this heading into the new season...
I know he should have scored but apart from that I thought Calafiori had a really good 45 mins for us yesterday. Going to be hard to pick between him and MLS for United. Also Mosquera has already played RB, LB and RCB for us in just 3 games. The guy has been absolutely flawless as well. Arteta may struggle finding the right attacking players for his system but he really knows how to sign defenders. This guy for only 13m is a joke - he reminds me bit of Rudiger. When you look at the defenders at Arsenal: Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera, Timber, White, Kiwior, Calafiori that's an incredible selection. I don't think there's another side in Europe with a better backline.
Mosquera was superb but he had a couple of occasions where he was a bit too aggressive and followed Bilbao players into midfield when he was jockeying them. Thankfully, that didn't get exposed but it may do against better opposition. He still has bit of that over-eagerness that Gabriel had when he first came to the club. But he's still only 21, I'm sure he'll iron that out in no time. He's got all the hallmarks of a top modern centre-half - 6'3, combative in the air, great recovery pace, good passing range, aggressive, times his tackles well and enjoys duels.
