The most obvious thing to say is that Arsenal have become an unstoppable attacking force. The other glaring point to emerge during this breezy 5-0 win over Leeds United, though, is that Arsenal are desperately crying out for Eberechi Eze’s invention in the final third. There can be no in between, no blurred lines. In an age of extreme reactions, there can only be one truth.
Take Viktor Gyökeres, who is both lumbering £64m dud and rampaging goal brute all at the same time. He was written off by some after enduring a difficult debut against Manchester United but was in encouraging form less than a week later, offering hints of what he will bring to Arsenal’s forward line by putting his running power to good use against Leeds. Conclusion? Tougher tests are on the way for the big Swede.
Next for Arsenal comes a trip to Liverpool. It has been a promising start to the season for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have opened it with two wins, two clean sheets and one gazumping of Tottenham in the transfer window. Eze, who was given a huge ovation when he was unveiled before kick-off against Leeds, has joined from Crystal Palace after snubbing Spurs and is sure to add extra layers to Arsenal’s attack. He could play off the left, cutting inside to link the play against deep defences, although perhaps he will operate as a No 10, which will be his shirt number. Either way, there is no doubt that Arteta has far more depth at his disposal. A repeat of last year’s injury crisis need not spell the end of Arsenal’s title challenge this time.
Yet those nagging doubts were not entirely dispelled with victory over Leeds, who had the Emirates Stadium on edge before Set Piece FC went ahead through a Jurriën Timber header from a Declan Rice corner in the 34th minute. Arsenal may be exploring a new attacking identity this season but the sense remains that they risk being held back by old failings. After all, it should not be overlooked that there were a few groans from the crowd before the deadlock was broken. Leeds did well at first, restricting Arsenal to few clear opportunities. Daniel Farke’s side, who do not look out of their depth after coming up as champions, were awkward before being ground down.
The strange thing is that Arsenal were unconvincing for much of the first half. They are trying to develop new patterns – Martín Zubimendi and Rice led a good counterpress from midfield and there were some lovely sweeping passes out to the flanks – but there were plenty of overhit passes and missed connections. The angst in the air was palpable. Gyökeres was nervy, snatching one chance wide when he had time to take a touch. There was frustration when Martin Ødegaard delayed a cross and passed backwards. There is a theory that Arteta has become too obsessed with set-piece goals. That Arsenal are too imposing. Eze will hopefully bring more fantasy.
It took one of Rice’s inswinging deliveries to shatter the tension, Timber rising highest to head in for 1-0. By then Ødegaard had limped off and made way for Ethan Nwaneri. There were positives and negatives. Arsenal’s second goal was excellent, Rice winning possession high, Zubimendi involved before Timber played Bukayo Saka in to lash a rising drive past Lucas Perri.
Eight minutes into the second half there was the worrying sight of Saka sitting on the turf and feeling the back of his left leg. The winger could not continue and is a major doubt to face Liverpool, which is hardly ideal given Arsenal may also be without Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus when they take on the champions.
The consolation for Arteta is that he has more options this season. Just as important, there are signs that Arsenal are beginning to play to Gyökeres’s strengths. He needs room to attack, balls to chase, defenders to annoy. He had all of that when Riccardo Calafiori hoicked a first-time up and under down the left channel in the 48th minute. Gyökeres immediately set off, rumbled past Pascal Struijk, cut inside, held off Jayden Bogle and arrowed an angled shot inside the near post.
The former Sporting Lisbon striker’s first Arsenal goal was a relief. Timber converted from another corner. Max Dowman sparkled after coming on for his debut. The 15-year-old – yes, 15 – was probably a little naughty when he made the most of a slight touch to win a stoppage-time penalty that Gyökeres converted. Ideas for a suitable punishment for Dowman’s opportunistic tumble ranged from being sent to bed with no dinner to being denied Nintendo Switch privileges for the next week.
Arsenal ended it feeling optimistic about the future. They were also struggling to shake off familiar concerns. Past failings may come back to haunt them. The alternative reading is that Arteta 2.0 is taking shape.
