Breaking: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a key decision on the left wing ahead of next Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, with newcomer Noni Madueke possibly earning a starting role.
Arsenal’s pre-season campaign has showcased promising performances from several players, including midfielder Martin Zubimendi, whose passing range draws comparisons to former Gunner Granit Xhaka. zubimendi’s ability to dictate play could be vital in replacing the attacking threat Xhaka provided during the 2022-23 season.
The Gunners completed a pre-season schedule that included victories over AC Milan (2-1 on July 23rd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles), Newcastle United (4-0 on July 27th at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund), and Athletic Bilbao (1-1, 4-3 on penalties, August 3rd at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao). However, they also experienced defeats against Tottenham Hotspur (1-0 on July 30th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and Villarreal (0-0, 5-3 on penalties, August 9th at the Emirates stadium).
Despite the mixed results,Arteta has emphasized that pre-season is primarily focused on building player fitness in preparation for the competitive season. The team’s current squad size is 25 senior players.
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Tactical Considerations for Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, are anticipated to employ a more direct style of play, potentially ceding possession to Arsenal. This tactical approach suggests United may defend in a deeper block, requiring Arsenal to demonstrate creativity in breaking down their defense.
Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres are expected to be automatic selections in Arteta’s starting lineup. The primary debate centers around the left wing position.
Gabriel Martinelli, despite providing two assists during pre-season, has not found the back of the net in his five appearances.His previous struggles against teams that prioritize defensive solidity raise questions about his suitability for this particular match.Noni Madueke, recently acquired by Arsenal for a reported £30 million from Chelsea on July 15th, presents a viable alternative, offering a different attacking profile.
