ARSENAL 2-3 BORUSSIA DORTMUND: Mikel Arteta’s Gunners conceded three targets for the second consecutive match on Sunday as they returned dwelling to face BVB within the Emirates Cup
Arsenal regarded susceptible on the again as they have been crushed 3-2 by Borussia Dortmund
Do not learn an excessive amount of into pre-season friendlies, except in fact, you’re a defensive mess. Lower than two weeks out from their Premier League opener in opposition to newly-promoted Coventry Metropolis, champions Arsenal are nonetheless getting heat.
However having now shipped three targets in two consecutive defeats to Actual Betis and Borussia Dortmund, it is turning into troublesome to decipher whether or not that is merely ring rust or a glimpse into what life could actually seem like with out William Saliba.
Context is essential as a result of simply over one yr in the past, the Gunners have been surprised 3-2 at dwelling by Villarreal in a equally sketchy contest.
A clear sheet in a ruthless 3-0 demolition of Athletic Membership and one of many most-historic campaigns within the membership’s illustrious historical past then adopted.
Nevertheless it may also be true that Arsenal at present look lucky that none of their direct rivals, outdoors of Tottenham, have drastically strengthened so far.
Whereas they continue to be agency favourites to retain their crown, their backline simply is not clicking within the absence of imperious Frenchman Saliba and there is an alarming lack of defensive depth.
Ben White, who managed simply 12 top-flight appearances final time period is again following his MCL damage however Arsenal are at present inserting nice religion in his health file with Jurrien Timber nonetheless sidelined.
The Gunners have been sliced aside for BVB’s opener inside seven minutes after which uncovered once more as Konstantinos Karetsas, a prodigy Arsenal tracked final summer season, bent dwelling admirably.
Then simply moments after Ethan Nwaneri handed Arsenal a lifeline, Arsenal have been undone by way of a messy and chaotic set-piece.
Neglect marquee big-name Vinicius Junior alternate options, a flexible defender ought to now be amongst Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta’s high switch priorities
It isn’t time to hit the panic button but as it has been a barely odd pre-season all-round this summer season, not only for Arsenal.
One other damage and the narrative rapidly modifications, nonetheless. The primary expanded 48-team World Cup was gruelling for all events, on all ranges.
The whopping 104-game event was brutal on physique clocks, a psychological slog and that is with out even contemplating the precise bodily toll of the collaborating gamers’ workload on the again of an extended home marketing campaign.
Arsenal, arguably extra so than every other Premier League membership, have to handle their stars fastidiously from right here on in.
The champions went deep in all 4 competitions final time period whereas Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba have been all managing various levels of ache.
The latter finally paid the last word worth for his bravery however Arteta can’t afford to witness Rice or Gabriel, particularly, break down this season as they’re simply too essential to their Premier League title defence.
Maybe it is naive to understand there won’t be penalties someplace alongside the road, which underlines the significance of sturdy recruitment work from Berta.
Bruno Guimaraes’ £75million arrival – the Brazilian midfielder was introduced to the Emirates Stadium crowd pre-kick-off – will assist shield Rice’s conditioning.
Adequate defensive cowl can also be required and with simply over three weeks left of the switch window, there may be nonetheless work to do.
Guimaraes, now prone to debut in opposition to Como after watching on from the stands, is definitely a high acquisition however Arteta’s left flank – one key space the place there was scope for enchancment – is just not conclusively higher than it was final season regardless of Christos Tzolis’ eye-catching begin to life in north London.
Subsequent weekend’s Group Protect collision with Manchester Metropolis in Cardiff ought to symbolize a powerful yardstick as to the place Arsenal are actually at. Dropping that fixture wouldn’t be superb preparation for Coventry.
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