Mikel Arteta and his Gunners were again off to a majestic start in the Premier League, but Bournemouth had other plans. All with Arsenal tickets on the day for the Bournemouth clash after the international break, we will remember the match as one of the worst outcomes for the side this early in the season.
But, it was inevitable for many fans with Arsenal tickets – they saw it coming.
While a single defeat doesn’t diminish Arsenal’s effort and drive to win silverware, it does bring the team to a standstill and force them to reevaluate their plans and structure.
First Defeat
It was hardly a surprise that Arsenal struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities during their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. As they suffered their first defeat of the season, the best chance of the game came from Kepa Arrizabalaga gifting a pass to Mikel Merino, who set up Gabriel Martinelli in a must-score moment.
In the absence of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, Arteta opted to go for Mikel Merino, who started in a similar role for Spain over the international break. The difference is that Fabian Ruiz was also in the midfield with him, which helped provide La Roja with plenty more progression.
With Declan Rice, who was excellent, and Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s midfield as a collective did well. Still, they don’t have the same incisiveness and directness that the likes of Odegaard and Saka add to the side.
Raheem Sterling came off for Jakub Kiwior, further stunting the attack as needs-must following William Saliba’s red card. But it wasn’t until very late that Ethan Nwaneri came onto the field; yet again, his style and verve left onlookers pondering what might have been.
The teenager has been impressive in his performances from both the bench and when he started the League Cup game against Bolton. Starting Nwaneri against Southampton before the international break felt like an opportunity missed, and with the way they played that game and this game, it felt the same on Saturday evening.
For many with Arsenal tickets on the day, the thought will be that, given the current string of injuries, it is about time the team prioritized Nwaneri in the starting XI.
The upcoming Champions League encounters will be the perfect opportunity to provide the youngster with much-needed game time.
Another element to consider is Oleksandr Zinchenko’s return to fitness. The Ukrainian has his limitations defensively, but he does indeed offer a lot going forward, particularly with his progressive passing.
For the upcoming games, many fans with Arsenal tickets will hope that Jurrien Timber can recover from his issues, meaning Ben White can slot into the suspended William Saliba’s role.
A true challenge is coming, and the Cherries were seen as one of the contextually easier tests this month. Creativity, or the lack of it, will be in focus in the weeks to come.
Arsenal After Alexander Isak for January
The Gunners are currently in the top standings and chasing a Premier League title. They are now looking for a potential striker who could be a long-term investment.
Arteta has cover for a professional striker in Raheem Sterling, but there are other long-term options.
While the fans with Arsenal tickets have rallied for a striker in the long term, the side is likely to decide to sign a superstar striker.
Here’s what’s happened on the transfer front for Arsenal:
Arsenal ‘decide on January exit’ for Tierney
Kieran Tierney could make an emotional return to Celtic after reportedly being told he can leave Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old Scotland international moved to North London from the Scottish Premiership giants in 2019 for a fee of £25m but has seen his Gunners career hampered by injuries.
Tierney has fallen the pecking order at the club and has yet to feature for Arsenal since returning from his season-long loan at Real Sociedad last season.
According to talkSPORT, he will be available for a transfer in January and could return to his boyhood club, Celtic. If Tierney leaves North London in January, the fans with Arsenal tickets will be sad that his time at the club didn’t go as planned.
The Scotland international was one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe before joining Arsenal, but injuries and the signings of Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have seen him fall down the pecking order at the Emirates.
Isak ‘stalling over Newcastle deal’ in transfer hint
Arsenal are reportedly on alert as Alexander Isak stalls on signing a new deal at Newcastle United. According to talkSPORT, Isak has been discussing a new deal at St James’ Park for several months but has yet to commit his future to Eddie Howe’s side.
The report claims the striker is holding out for a release clause to be included in his new deal, putting his long-term future at the club into doubt in a possible hint that he could be on the move.
Isak, though, is contracted with the club until 2028.
It is no surprise to see Isak once again being linked with a move to Arsenal. After all, the Swede has proved himself to be one of the most clinical strikers in Europe since moving to St James’ Park in a club-record deal in August 2022.
And Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to add a clinical lead to his Arsenal side, who have finished runners-up in the Premier League in the last two campaigns.
However, Isak’s goals could prove to be the ace Arteta and Arsenal need if they are to trump City to the Premier League title soon.
The decision for Isak will also come down to Arsenal’s position after the first half of the season. Fans with Arsenal tickets hope that either their team will win the first spot or be in contention for the top spot with only a few points left.
If they are in the fight, the deal for Isak will happen.
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