Arsenal head into the first break of the 2024/25 campaign unbeaten, but still have a long way to go if they are to snatch the Premier League title away from reigning champions Manchester City.
2-0 victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa before a controversial 1-1 draw to Brighton & Hove Albion marked the Gunners’ opening three fixtures, while a trip to neighbouring rivals Tottenham Hotspur awaits them once the club season resumes.
But how have Arsenal’s initial moments of the season looked? And who do fans need to look out for this year?
Here’s five things we learned about the title-challengers in August.
Welcome to the year of Kai Havertz
Before the summer transfer window even opened, Arsenal were being linked with just about every forward on the planet. They received heaps of criticism last season for their lack of an out-and-out striker – someone who can stand in the right place at the right time and score goals.
In walks Kai Havertz. Sure, the German star didn’t start his Arsenal career as a number nine, but if it’s goals that the club need, he has proven time and time again that he is their man.
Already Havertz has found the back of the net twice this season, putting Arsenal ahead during their tense clash with Brighton on Saturday. He’s proven his quality and his reliability – he will score for Mikel Arteta’s side if he’s given the opportunity to.
While a new striker may have not arrived in north London this summer, an outlet a bit closer to home may be the key to all of Arsenal’s worries.
Midfield tensions ahead of north London derby
Whether you thought Declan Rice‘s sending off against Brighton was justified or not, the fact still remains that his one-match ban covers the north London derby – that’s bad news.
With Fabio Vieira flying off to spend the season on loan at Porto and Emile Smith Rowe leaving for Fulham, Arsenal just have three senior midfielders available for that upcoming battle: Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Martin Odegaard.
There’s definitely midfield issues at the Emirates currently, which isn’t helped by the fact that new signing Mikel Merino picked up a brutal injury in training and is out for a number of weeks. Arsenal have been caught out in the middle of the pitch recently, losing possession and allowing opponents to overrun them when pressure builds.
Arteta will have a lot to think about when he travels to Tottenham after the break – does he trust the remaining characters in midfield?
We need to talk about Partey
Mikel Arteta seems set on playing Partey this season, but is that really the best decision for the team?
His athleticism has undoubtedly deteriorated, and his ability to maintain possession has already been tested in Arsenal’s opening fixtures. Partey is just not clicking in midfield, at all, and is in fact providing more issues than positives for the team.
While previous seasons had caused fans to worry about the fitness of Partey, this season suggests that he may be a liability – especially if Arteta is so insistent on playing him.
Of course, Rice’s red card and Merino’s injury have made the midfield selection going forward tricky – but it’s time to ask, is Partey good enough for a title-chasing squad?
Dave saves yet again
Arsenal’s controversial decision to start David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale last year received a lot of backlash at the time, but the former Brentford shot-stopper has proven to be an integral part of the Gunners’ system.
Their defence is by far one of their strongest assets, with William Saliba and Gabriel tearing up any attacking threat especially. But their efforts are heavily backed up by Raya between the sticks.
He made an incredible save to deny Yankuba Minteh in the Brighton clash and made a breathtaking leap to stop Ollie Watkins from taking the lead in the Villa victory.
His presence is immeasurable, and if Arsenal are to win the league this season, they will rely on this man to save the day.
Bukayo Saka set to star this season
Fresh off the back of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Bukayo Saka has started the season in the best possible way – at the heart of all of Arsenal’s attacking play.
He’s arguably one of the best wingers in the world right now, and without a doubt the best at Arteta’s disposal. In just three games he’s already provided a goal and three assists, ensuring he is in the right place at the right time to create magic for Arsenal.
He’s hungry for success, that much is clear. This will be a huge season for Saka, and if he can end the campaign with silverware it may just mark the best season of his career to date.
