As the new league season draws nearer, Arsenal ramped up their preparations with an impressive 5-0 win over the MLS All-Stars. The All-Stars outlet, managed by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, could only watch in awe as Mikel Arteta’s men hit them for five.
Club record signing Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber would both make their debuts for the Gunners in Washington. With a plethora of goals scored and a confident team performance in the bag, Arteta can now sit back and analyse the new positive traits of his ever-evolving squad.
Here are three takeaways from Arsenal’s 5-0 win over the MLS All-Stars.
#3 IS TROSSARD THE #8 WE WERE LOOKING FOR?
Granit Xhaka’s shock departure has left Arsenal needing a left #8 who can excel at both ends of the pitch. The Swiss international did his best to adapt to the box-to-box role but it was clear that he was never really Arteta’s perfect profile for the position.
Against the MLS All-Stars, Leandro Trossard was deployed on the left of the midfield three and he did not disappoint. The Belgian has always been heralded for his versatility, but with this display, he proved his worth.
The 29-year-old maintained a 100% dribble success and 82% pass accuracy, created two chances, won four duels, and scored the game’s second goal. It was a complete performance from the diminutive playmaker, one that will give his manager much to ponder.
#2 KIWIOR EXCELS IN THE INVERTED LB ROLE
Arteta’s 4-3-3 has continued to develop over the past two seasons. Although a flat 4-3-3 on paper, in possession and out of the possession the shape changes, and players often occupy several different zones in a game.
One of the most obvious features of this system has been the use of inverted full-backs, particularly on the left-hand side through Oleksandr Zinchenko. In his absence, Jakub Kiwior has taken up this responsibility flawlessly.
Predominantly bought as an LCB, the Polish international has exuded what Arteta wants in a modern player, versatility. The 23-year-old looked more than comfortable in the half spaces and was able to help his team create a sustained numerical superiority in the midfield areas.
#1 KAI HAVERTZ SILENCES THE CRITICS
It has been a whirlwind 24 hours for new signing Kai Havertz. After becoming the first player in history not to score in the headers and volley MLS skills challenge, the German international endured endless ridicule online from rival fans.
Despite that, Havertz came on in the 46th minute with a point to prove and won every single one of his aerial duels, which begs the question of whether Arteta will use the German’s 6’3” frame in a target man manner. Similar to how Manchester City use Erling Haaland when they want to alleviate pressure and turn defences over quickly.
In addition to his dominance in the air, Havertz would score an emphatic half-volley (ironic I know), to round off a five-star performance from the Gunners.
Next on the US tour is a showdown with Manchester United at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, a match that I can assure you will not be treated as a pre-season friendly.
Stats from sofascore.com
