Arsenal thrash Leeds, but injuries cloud the picture
Arsenal’s multimillion-pound investment, estimated at £260 million, aimed primarily to strengthen the squad and avoid the injuries that marked the previous season. The resounding 5-0 victory over Leeds United demonstrated the positive impact of these additions, but also exposed a reality: the team’s depth could be tested sooner than expected.
The match at the Emirates Stadium offered multiple positive aspects. Eberechi Eze, presented as the seventh signing of the summer, generated enthusiasm by joining the club from Crystal Palace for 67.5 million pounds. Rejecting the offer from Tottenham, a rival from North London, made him an instant idol for the fans.
Jurriën Timber stood out by scoring the first two goals of the match, both from set pieces, demonstrating the team’s effectiveness in these situations. Bukayo Saka also contributed with a great goal before halftime, while Viktor Gyökeres, who generates high expectations, scored his first goal with the Gunners.
Max Dowman, at just 15 years and 234 days old, became the second youngest player to debut in the Premier League with Arsenal. His participation, which included a play inside the area that caused a penalty, demonstrated his potential and courage.Viktor Gyökeres demonstrated the impact he can have this season, but injuries to key players could immediately test Arsenal’s depth.Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s coach, praised Eze’s signing and highlighted the positive atmosphere he generated in the stadium. The expectation around Dowman could be difficult to manage if he continues to show this level of play.
The coach also referred to the need to have a large squad to face the demanding season. “We need players,” Arteta affirmed. “It is not realistic to survive at the levels we want for 10 months. The other teams in the league have even larger squads than ours. It’s the minimum we can have to compete and do what we want.”
However, the triumph was marred by injuries to Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, who had to leave the field. Ben White and Christian Nørgaard are also currently out, and Kai Havertz will miss some matches due to injury. Given this situation, Arsenal could be forced to field a completely new attack in their next match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Arteta lamented the injuries, highlighting the need to have a well-equipped squad to face the league. Gyökeres, for his part, will seek to take advantage of this opportunity to establish himself in the team.
Gyökeres, with a penalty in added time, sealed a performance that seeks to leave behind a hesitant start. “I know I will take my opportunities sooner or later,” said the striker. “It was a short preseason for me, and it was important for me to play 90 minutes and get to know the team even more during this match.”
Arsenal hopes to be better prepared for the challenges ahead, despite the adversities.
