Yet another poor performance and result on the weekend piled the pressure onto Aston Villa’s Steven Gerrard. Up next for the Villans is Arsenal who will look to maintain their 100% start.
I spoke to @PainInThArsenal to find out more about Arsenal’s perfect start to the season.
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Arsenal looked like a decent outfit towards the end of last season but seemed to trail off when it mattered. This season, Arsenal have looked as though they have surpassed last seasons side too. What’s changed over the summer?
While last season ultimately ended in disappointment, Mikel Arteta got a lot of fans onside and that helped engender the feel-good culture we’ve seen throughout the summer and at the start of the season. We’ve continue to grow under the boss, and the arrivals of Jesus & Zinchenko have taken us to another level.
@PainInThArsenal
Over the summer, Amazon released a documentary on Arsenal. What was your thoughts on the documentary?
A wonderful documentary for supporters. While there is a hint of David Brent to Mikel, I think he came across well and his team talks were a particular highlight – as wacky as they were at times! Overall, the doc showed just how likeable the Gunners have become with our young stars leading the way.
@PainInThArsenal
Arsenal have used the transfer window very well this year. Arsenal have welcomed two former Man City players in Jesus and Zinchenko as well as the likes of Saliba returning from loan spells. How would you rate the window out of ten?
We could yet conduct further business before the deadline but, right now, I’d have to give the window an 8/10. I’ve already noted the immediate impacts of the two players you’ve mentioned, while Fabio Vieira could be one to keep an eye out for as the season progresses. However, we need further depth in a couple of key positions otherwise we could endure a similar fate to last season. On the outgoings front, I have very few complaints. Although, it’s a shame that we haven’t been able to shift a couple permanently.
@PainInThArsenal
Finally what’s your score predictions?
Arsenal will be rotated for Wednesday and confident Villa would probably have a sniff. But, something just isn’t right in your camp and I’d be shocked if you get a result at a bouyant Emirates. I think it’ll be 3-0 or 3-1 Arsenal.
@PainInThArsenal
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SALIBA’S SOARING
Arsenal’s impressive run of form has seen them win all of their opening four fixtures. The feel good factor is as high as it has been for a long time for Gunners.
A reason for this could be Arsenal’s new signings including former Man City players Jesus and Zinchenko instantly clicking in red.
However, a player who has gone massively under the radar has been at Arsenal for a few years now but has thrived this season. French centre back William Saliba looks to have secured his place in the heart of the Arsenal defence. I’m going to take a look at Saliba’s story so far.
Saliba began his footballing journey at the ripe age of 7 years old under the tutorship of Kylian Mbappe’s father. By 17, Saliba had signed his first professional contract for Saint Ettiene. Saliba made his debut in 2018 and went on to start 13 more league games that season.
Saliba’s mature and impressive performances at a young age made him quite the attractive proposition for big clubs. Keen not to miss out, Arsenal signed Saliba to a long term contract in 2019. Saliba was sent back on loan to Saint Ettiene to continue his development.
During his loan spell, Saliba featured in seventeen games whilst helping his boyhood team reach the French Cup final. Saliba wouldn’t be able to play the final due to contract issues in the loan spell. Saliba returned to Arsenal.
At the start of the 2020-21 season Arteta saw no place for Saliba in the first team. Saliba spent the first half of the season playing for the Under 23’s before securing a loan move to Nice. Arteta would go on to regret outcasting Saliba.
However, it was the 2021-22 loan move to Marseille that Saliba really made his name. 52 appearances, semi final place in the Conference League, Champions League football, a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year and the Young Player Of The Year. Not a bad season for the 20 year old.
Saliba once again returned to Arsenal but this time Arteta had firm plans for the Frenchmen. Saliba started his first Premier League game in a win against Crystal Palace. His performance was described as “unruffled and virtually faultless”. Two weeks later, he’d go on to score his first goal in impressive fashion.
Saliba’s performances of late suggest the sheer quality he possesses. If he continues on the path he is on, Saliba could cement a position at the top of the game for a long, long time.
MY PREDICTION
It’s going to be a long afternoon for Villa against a well oiled side. Under Gerrard, I don’t see anyway we come out of this with three points or even one for that matter. I’m going to predict a 3-1 loss.
