Observing Arsenal’s camp during their U.S. tour, it was clear that the club is united.
On the training field and during matches, the intensity was palpable. However, away from the action, manager Mikel Arteta appeared relaxed, a stark contrast to the often tense demeanor seen on the touchline, while technical director Edu seemed well in command of his responsibilities.
Edu’s current role involves navigating through the many agents presenting their players to Arsenal. He appears to be a level-headed professional, not easily swayed by flashy promises without substance.
While results can often obscure underlying problems at football clubs, there is a noticeable sense of direction at Arsenal. Remarkably, there is even a sense of goodwill towards the ownership, especially given the intense backlash they faced during the Super League controversy.
Their goal is clear: to improve and to win. Achieving this is challenging, especially given that they have accumulated 84 and 89 points respectively, finishing second in the Premier League for the past two seasons, with only Manchester City above them.
When questioned before the Bournemouth match in Los Angeles about the possibility of improvement after two nearly flawless seasons, Arteta’s response was definitive: “We have to.”
The approach to achieving this has been likened internally to a software update. Arsenal are focused on fixing the identified weaknesses and issues. This isn’t about minor adjustments; it’s a comprehensive system overhaul.
“We aim to enhance every aspect,” Arteta said. “Attacking metrics, defensive metrics, restarts, set-pieces.”
Arsenal is not daunted by the challenge of surpassing his former club, City.
Here are three key insights from the US tour.
Can Timber redeem his false start?
A year ago, there was a lot of buzz surrounding Jurrien Timber.
The Gunners spent £38m to acquire the Netherlands defender from Ajax, and while his arrival was somewhat overshadowed by the signing of Declan Rice, it still generated significant interest.
He had made a strong impression during pre-season 7m, playing as an inverted right-back, but a knee injury in the season opener sidelined him until the final game of the season.
Now back in an Arsenal shirt, he was rested for the final tour match against Liverpool to ensure his protection. However, he performed well in the matches against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
When asked about Timber as a potential competitor for his position, teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko praised Timber’s on-field skills as ‘unbelievable.’
Timber’s ability to play across the backline makes his versatility highly valuable. However, it seems likely that Arteta has a particular role planned for him. He could become a crucial player for Arsenal this season.
Unjust criticism? What’s Havertz’s role?
Arteta believed the criticism surrounding Kai Havertz’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal last summer was unjust. The negativity was amplified by a few underwhelming performances early in the season.
However, with the lack of a central striker—a position many Arsenal fans consider crucial for the summer transfer window—Havertz might prove to be a vital component in the Gunners’ pursuit of success.
He may not be a traditional number nine like Erling Haaland, who uses his physicality to hold off defenders. However, his tactical awareness can generate space in crucial areas, which can be leveraged by him or his teammates. His goal against Liverpool in Philadelphia showcased this ability perfectly.
The intriguing question will be whether he is deployed as a false nine or in a deeper role, which would enable Gabriel Jesus to occupy a more central position.
As always with Havertz, opinions are divided. However, for those who have been critical of his performances during the US tour, Arteta pointed out that the former Chelsea player had only completed four training sessions and still managed to make an impact.
The fight for positions—Arteta’s greatest challenge
Acquiring Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori during the three-match tour of the United States and bringing him to Philadelphia to train with his new teammates—along with the subsequent pursuit of Real Sociedad defender Mikel Merino—demonstrates that Arsenal are not willing to settle for finishing second as their highest achievement.
To achieve this, Arsenal need to bring in better players, but increasing competition for places introduces its own set of challenges.
Managing a squad involves not only handling those who play regularly but also addressing the concerns of those who do not. This is the challenge Arteta faces.
Where Calafiori will play is a major question for Arsenal fans, and the same applies to Timber.
However, the more critical issue may be ‘who will be left out?’
It’s plausible that Zinchenko might not secure a place in Arteta’s revamped lineup. However, his skill and versatility make him a valuable option off the bench or as a replacement in case of injuries—which are likely to happen.
Arteta needs his backup players to fully embrace the team’s objectives and be ready to contribute.
Despite his acclaim for tactical innovation, this might be Arteta’s greatest challenge this season. How effectively he manages this could be crucial in ending Arsenal’s 20-year wait for a title.
