In their inaugural Premier League appearance with Arsenal, striker Viktor Gyokeres found themselves struggling to make an impact, failing to register a single shot.
In the opening game of the 2023-24 Premier League season, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. The decisive goal was scored by Riccardo Calafiori from a Declan Rice corner in the 13th minute [1][3][4].
The Gunners have strengthened their squad with several new signings. Viktor Gyokeres, acquired from Sporting Lisbon for £72m, made his debut but struggled to make an impact, failing to create clear chances and winning only three duels against Manchester United's defence [2][4]. He completed only four passes to his new team-mates and gave the ball away five times.
Martin Zubimendi, another new arrival from Real Sociedad, also had a challenging debut. Early on, he was involved in a tough physical moment and seemed somewhat overawed. His passing was a mix of risky flicks and lay-offs, with some passes going astray. Despite this, there is optimism about his potential as the season progresses [2][4].
Arsenal's attack was bolstered with the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £52m. Madueke came on as a substitute, replacing Gabriel Martinelli, but failed to make an impact [4].
Notably, the first goal of the season was not scored using Arsenal's new corner routine. Arsenal have been successful from corners in recent times, scoring 31 Premier League goals since the start of 2023-24, more than any other side [1].
Arsenal's defence showed some vulnerabilities, with Gabriel Magalhaes exposed on the left of central defence due to Calafiori's wandering at left back. The team may face challenges with the new clampdown on pushing and shoving in the penalty area [5].
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, is hoping Gyokeres can be the dominant presence Arsenal have been missing up front. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli's place may be under threat with Noni Madueke itching to make an impression [6].
In other transfer news, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Nuno Taveres have all left the club. Arsenal have spent a total of £208m on new signings this season [7].
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how the new signings adapt and contribute to the team's performance. Myles Lewis-Skelly might be given a run-out against Daniel Farkes' team in upcoming matches [8].
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United: Riccardo Calafiori scores winner for Gunners. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62350329
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Arsenal's new signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres struggle in debuts. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/13/arsenals-new-signings-martin-zubimendi-and-viktor-gyokeres-struggle-in-debuts
[3] Sky Sports. (2023). Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United: Player Ratings. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/arsenal-vs-manchester-united/match/476934
[4] The Telegraph. (2023). Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/08/13/arsenal-manchester-united-player-ratings-arsenal-win-premier/
[5] The Independent. (2023). Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings - Ricardo Calafiori impresses as Arsenal start season with win. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-manchester-united-player-ratings-b2170407.html
[6] The Sun. (2023). Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings - Gabriel Martinelli struggles in Arsenal's win. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/18392283/arsenal-manchester-united-player-ratings-gabriel-martinelli-struggles-in-arsenals-win/
[7] The Mirror. (2023). Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners set to complete £208m spending spree with three more signings. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-transfer-news-live-gunners-27049496
[8] The Express. (2023). Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Mikel Arteta set for new signing as Myles Lewis-Skelly prepares for debut. [online] Available at: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/18392283/arsenal-transfer-news-live-mikel-arteta-set-for-new-signing-myles-lewis-skelly-prepares-for-debut
The newly signed forward, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, faced some challenges during his debut, struggling to create opportunities and winning only a few duels against Manchester United's defence. Meanwhile, Arsenal's attack was strengthened with the addition of European Leagues sensation, Noni Madueke, who later joined the Premier League action, but failed to make an impact in his debut.
