1. Zinchenko sends message to Calafiori
The presence of Riccardo Calafiori has strengthened Arsenal’s defence. One man’s joy is another’s sorrow. Oleksandr Zinchenko faces the risk of being relegated to a reserve role next season. However, the match against Bayer Leverkusen helped Zinchenko prove that he still has the ability.
The Ukrainian defender was chosen by Mikel Arteta to start from the start. Reality proved that the Spanish strategist made the right decision. In the 8th minute, Kai Havertz passed the ball from the left wing, Oleksandr Zinchenko rushed in and finished hard, shaking the Leverkusen net.
Zinchenko promises to be a dangerous player for Arsenal, especially when the home team wants to increase pressure and ball possession against the opponent.
2. The versatility of Kai Havertz
The German star left a strong mark on Arsenal’s journey to 2nd place in the Premier League 2023.2024. Havertz contributed 14 goals, 7 assists in all competitions; most of which came from the number 9 role.
In the match against Leverkusen, Arteta arranged Havertz to play in the left-sided midfield position. The former Chelsea star played impressively, contributing two assists in the first half before scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal in the second half.
What role will Havertz play in Arsenal’s squad next season has become a question that has received much attention from Gunners fans. That is a problem that Arteta needs to come up with a solution soon.
3. Leverkusen fades
In contrast to the fiery attack image of last season, Bayer Leverkusen brought a disappointing performance at Emirates Stadium. Xabi Alonso’s army seemed stuck in finding ideas and arranging attacks in the first half.
The German team’s outstanding stars such as Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz played below expectations. Leverkusen played better in the second half and had the only goal by Adam Hlozek.
Fans hope the defeat to Arsenal will be a useful test for Alonso and his team before officially entering the new season. Leverkusen will need to make double the effort if they want to successfully defend the Bundesliga title.
4. Talented young Gunners
In addition to the outstanding, experienced factors in the first team; Arsenal possesses remarkable young talents in the squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly was brought on by Arteta in the second half to play as a left-back.
The remaining faces Ethan Nwaneri, Josh Nichols and Ayden Heaven all left their mark against Leverkusen. On the bench, Arsenal had the presence of talented young goalkeeper Tommy Setford.
5. Looking to the future
Arsenal are well prepared for the new season.
A convincing 4-1 win over Leverkusen has given Mikel Arteta’s side a boost in confidence, with the Gunners set to face Lyon in the Emirates Cup final before the new season begins.
Arteta’s Arsenal is considered by experts to be one of the strong candidates in the 2024/2025 Premier League championship race.