Arsenal's pre-season draw against Como has left Mikel Arteta with a host of questions to answer as the new season looms. While the result itself may not be a cause for concern, the performance and team selection certainly raised some eyebrows. The Gunners are still finding their feet after a disrupted summer, and the lack of depth in certain areas is becoming apparent.
One thing that stood out was the continued reliance on young players like Myles Lewis-Skelly and the debut of Bruno Guimaraes. Lewis-Skelly's performance was a bright spot, but his place in the team is not guaranteed. The 18-year-old's goal was a moment of brilliance, but his role in the team is still uncertain. Guimaraes, on the other hand, showed why he was signed, but his impact may be limited due to the competition for midfield spots.
Arteta's decision to start Theo Julienne instead of more experienced players like Ben White was a surprise. The lack of depth in defense is a concern, and the manager's approach to managing player fitness is a delicate balance. The World Cup disruption has left its mark, and the team is still finding its rhythm.
The real test for Arsenal will come in the Community Shield and the Premier League opener. The lack of depth and the need to manage player fitness will be a challenge for Arteta. The manager will need to make some tough decisions to ensure the team is ready for the season ahead.
In my opinion, Arsenal's pre-season draw is a wake-up call for the club. The team is still finding its way, and the manager has some difficult choices to make. The lack of depth and the need to manage player fitness are concerns that must be addressed. The real test will come in the coming weeks, and Arsenal will need to be ready to face the challenges of the new season head-on.
