Arsenal one week from Viktor Gyokeres dream start as Mikel Arteta has three more things to do

Mikel Arteta is just one week away from the opening match of the Premier League season, as his Arsenal side travels to Manchester United in what is already a massive fixture. The computer, which chucked out the order of games at the start of the season, has given the Gunners a very tricky opening with Liverpool and Manchester City yet to come.

There remain concerns, particularly about Arsenal’s left-hand side, and after back-to-back pre-season defeats, it would be fair to say that supporters have their own worries. But six transfers have been completed, the Gunners have their new centre-forward in Viktor Gyokeres.

It is perhaps a sign of Arsenal's rise over these past five years that, despite having two competitive options in every single role, the clamour is for more and a sense that the club still hasn’t quite done enough. Arteta has to juggle all of this and try to deliver the perfect start in a ground where the Gunners have not had too much joy.

Viktor Gyokeres final integration

The new striker is indeed in and got his first taste of the Emirates Stadium atmosphere against Villarreal. He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions and while he will get another chance against Athletic Club, this week is all about familiarising himself more with his teammates.

Importantly, it is also about his teammates and the manager learning more about how to work with him. Finding the right chances, creating the right moments and maximising what they have from Europe’s top goal scorer of the last two seasons.

Find the solution

As mentioned, the left hand side is certainly an area where the Gunners look at their weakest right now. Gabriel Martinelli has truly struggled to find form and he was not even spotted in the last round of training pictures that have done the rounds.

Noni Madueke, though, could indeed be the player to add something different. He injects speed and skill and a strong left foot, which provides variety, and while the issue is not just a personnel problem, it is also important to point out what a change of profile could bring.

Make the big calls

According to Mikel Arteta, Max Dowman has been allowed a break ahead of the new Premier League season. He had not been able to get one after his responsibilities with the England youth team and then during pre-season. He has stolen the show for the Gunners, and fans are excited to see where his development takes him.

Arteta was asked whether he could be in the Old Trafford squad, but he stopped short of committing to a promise. He needs to make the big call, and Dowman needs to be in that team because from what we have seen, a side with Dowman in it is better than one without him.

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