Before Anfield. Let it all work out...

Exciting transfer window and an exciting six-pointer on one of the most hostile stadiums in the country.

Eze hangover

I still can’t get enough of those EZE videos! You know the ones – his first day in our training ground, where he signs on the dotted line, radiating warmth and pure positivity. I am not usually into this type of content, because those are just PR artefacts, but this just gives you a proper comforting feeling, doesn't it?

Now, let's be realistic. We all know Eberechi isn't going to fix all our problems. He's a world-class player, no doubt, but it’s not like we’re a fully assembled squad with just one missing piece that he perfectly fills. Yet, despite the unknowns – where will he play, how we’ll adapt to his style, will we make use of his strengths, what sacrifices we’ll make to accommodate him – there is a wide excitement about the fans. Why? 

First of all, because he’s incredibly likeable, he’s positive, and there’s never a whiff of toxicity. He entertains the crowd, he plays chess, and gets on with our other England internationals. There’s simply nothing to dislike. He’s mentally strong as well, having scored on the biggest stages against top opposition. 

But most crucially, he addresses most of the issues we’ve had over the last two seasons. Predictable? Not anymore. He’s one of the most unpredictable players out there, bringing that new element to Arsenal’s choreographed attacks.

Slow attacks and poor counter attacking success? Eze played for Crystal Palace, who predominantly created their chances from counter attacks, so he is well familiar with what needs to be done. We also need to adjust to the style of Vikor Gyokeres. Well, guess what – Eze has played with a striker who has a similar style to our own, a powerful runner who thrives on a ball played in behind the defence. 

And what about those frustrating deep blocks, when opponents shrink their entire team around the box and our passes just can't get through the forest of legs? Now we have a player, who can and will actually shoot from distance and punish teams for pushing too close. He'll take those shots, even if he misses most of them, that's precisely what we need to punish those approaches. He's addressing key issues, and the fans can feel it. The last time we signed someone with such widespread positive expectation - was the coming of Big Dec. It turned out pretty well, didn't it? He showed what unique qualities he could bring, contributing to our success, becoming a fan favourite, and shining on the brightest stages, scoring some unbelievable free kicks. When the fans are charging the player with such a level of positivity and support, it is bound to work out. The club just needs to let it all work out… 

Why doesn't the Arsenal sporting department check the fan sentiment before actually signing a player? Such an easy shortcut for a successful transfer!

We also need to remember that Eze needs a proper left wing-back to complement him, and we just don't have one in the squad. We’ve got Ricky "Call Of Fury", but he's not the quickest player. Now there are rumours about Hincapie from Leverkusen, a defender from Ecuador. I'm a bit confused because he's played in more defensive positions, rather than holding the width up the pitch, but I suppose the main thing is his physical ability to run up and down the wing. If the coach and staff believe he can do it, then I'm all for it. 

The rumours suggest we need to sell Kiwior before signing him. I'm not entirely convinced by that connection. I think Kiwior was  primarily a backup for Gabriel, and what we're really looking for is that left wing-back, whereas I'd expect Calafiori to step into the left center-back position if something happens to Gabriel.

Limited time offers! Only until September 1st!

Generally, sales departments have been quite sluggish this summer. This was one area where there was a lot of expectation from Andrea Berta, but unfortunately, he didn’t make it work out so far. While Berta has been good at securing the players we need, on the “bringing funds” front we are still in BBQ times. I know most of our players aren't really 'sellable' – the likes of Nelson, Lokonga, Vieira – they haven't made a claim at Arsenal, and they haven't exactly shone on loan. So why would anyone pay big money for them? I still expect we might get a couple of million and a chocolate bar for each, but I don't see how we can raise significant funds.

Zinchenko and Jesus are different stories. We signed them on very high salaries, and now that we don't need them, there isn't much appetite in the market to take them on those wages, especially considering their injury records. It's on Arsenal for offering such high salaries, which now blocks our ability to move forward. I think they're quality players, but no one outside the Premier League specifically wants to pay those salaries. We might have an opportunity to loan them out and pay a fraction of their salary; that's where we can save at least some money. Because let's be honest, Zinchenko is a great player, but I don't think he'll be playing for us this season. If we sign the Ecuadorian left-back, it's him, Miles, Ricky, and Zinchenko comes only as fourth-choice left-back. I'm not sure I believe in that concept!

But where I do have a problem with Berta is shifting Kiwior! The player who played for us in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid and didn't crumble! The one who played on the highest stages in Europe and wasn't a major weakness for the team. He demonstrated he can play in Champions League play-offs, which means he can play for most clubs in Europe. The fact that we're shipping him off to Porto for 25 million, and even that comes next summer, I don't think this is good business. I think getting him for less than 40 million is already a failure, but the rumours are that the deal is all but secured, and he's off to Porto. It’s also reported that Porto is his choice, but I wouldn't be so convinced. Surely, any Champions League qualified team in Italy or Spain, without a decent squad, would benefit from having him for approximately the same price as we bought him, especially considering he was starting left centre-back in the Champions League semi-finals under Arteta. Napoli, Villareal, Juventus, noone?

Speaking of the Champions League, the draw was concluded on Thursday and I think it was quite favourable.

We have Bayern and Atleti at home and I think we’re now in a position where we can expect to get at least 2 points from those games. And then our old friend Inter Milan in San Siro again (the one I attended last year and maybe will attend this year again). They're not as strong as they were last year. All in all, it’s not a bad draw, especially compared to the champions PSG, who got Tottenham and Newcastle from pots three and four! Generally speaking, we know that with 17 points the team will definitely get into the top 8, and last year it was even enough to get into the top four. 15 points was enough to get into the top 8. So, with this calendar, I see no problem in securing 5 victories and 2 draws. I think we'll qualify directly into the Champions League, especially with our increased squad depth.

Anfield? Bring it on!

That depth is already being tested in the third game week of the season. However, after a busy summer, we have a bunch of players who can fill in, and we can hope for a decent result this time. Liverpool aren't looking extremely solid this year. Their general strategy seems to be to outscore the opponent, which has worked for them so far. However, they were battered by Newcastle for the entire first half before scoring a long-range shot out of nowhere, and then Newcastle even managed to equalise playing one half with ten men, with the win secured only in the very last minute.

Liverpool have gaps in their defence. Gravenberch can’t hold the midfield alone, and their left side with Kerkez isn't looking too solid and that's where we can benefit. All those players we signed – Gyokeres, Madueke, Eze – they all thrive in playing on the counter-attacks. But we need to set up accordingly. We need to wait for the Reds in our own half, and as soon as we win the ball, explode in the counter-attacks. The biggest mistake we can make against Liverpool is to take the ball away from them and pass slowly on their half. Especially with our regular possession-based squad (Havertz, Saka, Ode) most likely out, what is the better opportunity to completely switch our style?

I think our defensive setup, as well as our double pivot, is quite predictable - the same players as a week ago. The only question remaining is who our attackers will be. If Odegaard starts, it would probably be him through the middle and Eze on the left.

With Odegaard missing, we either have the option of Nwaneri as number 10 or Eze through the middle complemented by one of our traditional left wingers. I personally would go with Eze and Martinelli.  I think Nwaneri is in a position where he’s not completely trusted by the manager, and he wants to show that he can manage this number 10 position. But this game is too dangerous to make a statement. If he takes on these responsibilities, he needs to be eased into the action. So, I would go with an experienced player who has started in this position. 

Just imagine it: Martinelli and Viktor ready to run in behind the midfielders, Eze and Zubi ready to find them with penetrating passes; Madueke carrying the ball and driving right into the box. That looks like quite a scary setup!

That said, I’m pretty open to Ethan coming in for the last 20-30 minutes, as well as Max Dowman. I don’t think they won't be able to handle the Anfield pressure, I just think that they don’t need the pressure of demonstrating their ability to follow instructions in such a high-stakes match.

Regarding Martinelli, I had previously discussed his potential sale this transfer window. James McNicholas from The Athletic has essentially confirmed that a suitable offer would lead to Arsenal selling him. This raises the question of whether an offer will materialize. If not, Martinelli would likely remain, and in this case I would be all in for him cruising on the left wing.

If not him, then potentially Trossard, although I don't think he's ideally suited for this particular game. Slot would most likely deploy Bradley there and he is pretty annoying when he is tasked with defensive duties rather than joining the attack. I recall him effectively containing Martinelli at the Emirates last year, so I imagine him being a problem for our wingers this time again. But Eze and Madueke rocking on the right side - it is a perfect opportunity for them to show why we spilled out the significant transfer fees.

Given Manchester United's recent struggles, our victory in the first game week no longer holds as much value. It's certainly less important than the victories our direct competitors secured at the Etihad and St. James' Park. To prove we are the best-equipped team in this league, we must make a statement on Sunday. I don't believe there's been a better opportunity in the last 6-7 years to leave that hostile stadium with all three points in the bag. 

Let's bloody make it happen! Let’s work it all out!