Why defeat at United was a reality check for Arsenal

Why defeat at United was a reality check for Arsenal



Why defeat at United was a reality check for Arsenal


Why defeat at United was a reality check for Arsenal

It all felt like Arsenal was coming back to their usual form. With consecutive wins, great plays and fantastic chemistry between the players - the Gunners felt like they were in seventh heaven.

Not even the invincibles had five back-to-back wins in their first five games. Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinczenko, and Bukayo Saka combined, along with the rest of the team, felt like Arsenal was coming for the big leagues.

But the reality check from Manchester United was something the side didn't see coming. The 3-1 loss to United was a reality check for the London club. The likes of a rejuvenated Manchester United team felt slightly too aggressive for Arsenal as they lost in Old Trafford with a lacklustre performance.

However, that's exactly what Arsenal needed right now - early in the season to understand where they are and what they need to do to be that top-tier side they've wanted to be for the last decade.

And it is only going to be more challenging. The demand for Arsenal tickets skyrocketed with the form, and now they have probably the most important fixtures ahead of them in the league.

Arsenal's next three fixtures:

Arsenal vs Tottenham (H)

Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt (H)

Arsenal vs Liverpool (H)

Here are the positives the side has in store and what Mikel Arteta needs to fix in these crucial clashes. 

Eager to end European drought

After not qualifying for this year's UEFA Champions League, the side has to settle for Europa League football alongside Manchester United. But for the Gunners' the opportunity at the Europa stage would be the ideal proving ground to make a bold statement before taking on the UEFA Champions League. Last year, everyone who purchased Arsenal tickets was disappointed that they missed out on the Champions League but looking at this side, it feels like a blessing in disguise.

The Gunners kicked off their Europa League run a fortnight back and are looking to bring home a European title after a long hiatus.

The side's only two Euro titles came in 1969-70 with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and the 1993-94 Cup Winners Cup. Even during the invincible times of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal wasn't quite fit enough to bring home a Champions League.

"That's a long time", added Arteta, who is confident of turning the tide for the side. Speaking at the presser, he said that his team intends to break the negative record and wants to start with wins in the group stage.

The side won the opener against FC Zurich, 2-1 and will need to secure a few more wins before advancing to the next round.

The side is in Group A, alongside Bodo, PSV and FC Zurich. It is some consolation for the Arsenal tickets holders to see European football back and expect more fans to queue up for Arsenal tickets with the current momentum.

Manager of the Month for Arteta

The boss was adjudged the Premier League's manager of the month for August with the side's incredible opening run. It was a remarkable feat to be recognized for the hard work put in during the summer transfer window as he collected his dream XI.

The strong start to the season was the key talking point, with the side currently sitting on top despite the lone loss. This is Arteta's third Manager of the Month award, having won it earlier in September 2021 and March 2022.

He claimed the prize beating Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter after votes from the public were combined with expert opinions.

From the outset, Arteta has stamped his authority on his side, with the convincing wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester to start the season. The club's new signings have blended swiftly, and the young players have carried their form from the pre-season.

Emile Smith Rowe Injury concerns

The manager's worries with Smith Rowe continue with the youngsters' campaign yet to kick off with a string of injuries. Smith Rowe had only four substitute appearances this season and appeared to suffer a minor setback warming down following the defeat at United. His pre-season was cut short by a groin injury, and there are suggestions of possible surgery to address the situation.

Arteta added that he is concerned about Smith Rowe and is trying to find a solution to get him 100% or pain-free.

The attacking midfielder was a pleasing sight for anyone with Arsenal tickets to the Emirates. Last season, he forced his way into the team, scored 10 Premier League goals, and eventually made the England squad.

While the chances of him making the world cup look quite remote, Arteta believes that the youngster can be back in a Gunners' shirt soon. He spoke disappointingly about the fact that he will not be a part of the World Cup side with his injuries stating that it is every football player's most significant life achievement to play in a world cup.

Their signing from Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko, is another worry for Arteta. The Ukrainian Association of Football announced that he would be out for two weeks with a calf injury. While Zinchenko will not be available for selection for the upcoming games, the manager hopes he will be back when the side faces Tottenham.

The challenges ahead

Every fan with Arsenal tickets will be excitingly awaiting the following few clashes in the Premier League since it will define the football brand that Arsenal is here to play. The clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will be defining games for Arteta and his team primarily because they will set a benchmark for the side's brand of football.

Liverpool, despite their average start, should not be considered lightly. They did lose to Manchester United, but their comeback has been strong. Arsenal will need to get their groundwork perfect and not prevent any mishaps like the one at Old Trafford.

The North London derby will also be a crucial game for Arsenal as they come up against the Spurs. Spurs had a great pre-season, but they are still building a team, and it could be the ideal moment to strike.

Arsenal tickets for these clashes are already sold out, and if you are a Gunners fan, you be at the stadium for these games. With that said, the trusted reseller platforms are giving everyone relief for everyone who wants to get access to these games through trusted partners.

You can quickly get your Arsenal tickets on these platforms with two clicks, just in time for the big clashes.

 

 


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