Arsenal trying to be more direct: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Martin Odegaard was primarily the player leading the majority of counter-attacks. Viktor Gyokeres' best attacking zones are in the inside right channel. As the Swede darted in behind, Odegaard's weight of pass was off and chances broke down. This made the game end-to-end, suiting United's quick attackers.Odegaard being left footed here was slightly problematic too. Angle-wise, using a right-footed player would allow the pass to go towards the goal rather than curling away from it, making it easier for someone like Gyokeres to shoot early. Imagine Kevin de Bruyne's through balls (from right central midfield) to Erling Haaland if you're struggling to understand what I mean.Although this style of play was ineffective in the opening game, there are positives. If Arsenal can get the final pass correct, they'll find themselves in clear goalscoring opportunities more often. How Arsenal balance their slower possession style with this newer, transitional quality will be an important thread to their season.More on what we learned from the Premier League opening weekend
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Metro
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Joe Cole suggests Arsenal should have signed £65m ace instead of Viktor Gyokeres
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Rasmus Hojlund makes decision over transfer as Man Utd receive new approach
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Daily Mirror
2 minutes ago
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Arsenal 'ponder blockbuster Morgan Rogers transfer bid' after Kai Havertz injury blow
Morgan Rogers was named the PFA Young Player of the Year on Tuesday night and Arsenal are now considering a move for the 23-year-old midfielder after suffering an injury blow Arsenal could move for Morgan Rogers in the latter stages of the summer transfer window after Kai Havertz suffered an injury. The Gunners have already spent over £200million on new players this summer but are still pondering more additions. Mikel Arteta 's side began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, but their plans have now taken a blow. Havertz replaced Viktor Gyokeres off the bench for the final 30 minutes of that Premier League match yet has now suffered a setback. The Germany international was absent from training on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Arsenal are yet to get a full picture of the problem for Havertz but are already plotting another dip into the transfer market after landing Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Sun reports that, having admired him for some time, Arsenal are considering a bid for Aston Villa star Rogers. The 23-year-old was named the PFA Young Player of the Year on Tuesday night at the ceremony in Manchester, where Arteta was there to congratulate him. Rogers got 14 goals and 16 assists in 54 games across all competitions for Villa last season and is versatile enough to play a variety of positions. However, he has five years left on his Villa contract and the club are in a strong position to resist any approach. Villa value the England midfielder at £80m and don't need to sell, having offloaded Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £40m and loaned Leon Bailey to Roma. They would also have little time to find a replacement ahead of the window closing on September 1. Arsenal were weighing up more additions even before Havertz's injury, with Arteta keen to strengthen in wide areas. Yet their failure to sell unwanted players like Reiss Nelson, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Karl Hein and Oleksandr Zinchenko has hampered their efforts. 'Let's see what happens in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks, but we are actively looking at options,' said Arteta earlier this month. 'As well there are a few players maybe that they have to leave as well so we'll be open to see what happens.' Their inability to make any more signings until players leave has been evident in them being unable to challenge Tottenham for Eberechi Eze. The Gunners showed an interest in Eze earlier in the summer, and he was keen on a move from Crystal Palace, but they have been powerless to stop Spurs moving ahead in the race. Eze, who like Rogers would fit the bill as a Havertz back-up, is expected to join their north London rivals for around £60m. Arsenal have also been linked with Real Madrid 's Rodrygo and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, although nothing has come of that interest.
