Mikel Arteta’s ruthlessness is well-documented.
Just ask Aaron Ramsdale or, most recently, Gabriel Martinelli, the pair having been moved on after losing their starting spots.
The needs of the team supersede feelings or perceived fairness.
Viktor Gyokeres is feeling that wrath right now, having failed to come off the bench once again.
It’s a second consecutive match without appearing, only mustering a run out in the 74th minute of Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
On paper, Gyokeres’ 21 goals across all competitions last season makes the absence of minutes an unusual case.
It is further emphasised after the display of Kai Havertz on Monday night against Aston Villa, an ineffective showing masked by the Gunners’ victory.
The German consistently reminded viewers just why the north London club have been linked with Alvarez, fans desperate for an attacking addition before the window closes.
It’s a second consecutive match without appearing for Viktor Gyokeres, only mustering a run out in the 74th minute of Arsenal ’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City
Havertz’s performance in general lacked the composure of a leading Premier League team’s striker, marked by clunky play and an ineffectiveness around the goal frame
On 14 minutes, having been played through by Martin Odegaard, Havertz struck the ball well wide while in the area.
He ought to have done better — and it got worse. Substitute Bruno Guimaraes set the forward free in the second period, yet he could only strike straight at Zion Suzuki.
His performance in general lacked the composure of a leading Premier League team’s striker, marked by clunky play and an ineffectiveness around the goal frame.
All this emphasised Gyokeres’ failure to come off the bench, falling out of favour so badly to not have been turned to by Arteta.
The decision was a surprise and almost a nudge to the ownership ahead of deadline day.
It will not have done the Swede’s confidence any good, or helped him believe he has a place in the team.
The coming weeks are huge for Gyokeres. A failure to play anytime soon could well be the start of a slippery slope out of Arteta’s plans.
Welcome to the Premier League, Christos Tzolis
The plaudits were loud after impressive displays against Man City in the Community Shield, and Coventry in the Premier League.
He couldn’t put a foot wrong, dancing around players and playing piercing deliveries forward.
Yet, against Villa, he just could not get going in a real crash down to Earth.
The Greek seemed flustered from Matty Cash’s physicality and failed to make an impact on the ball.
He started in a wide position, hugging the touchline, trying to drive inwards.
When he was in possession, Tzolis often gave the ball away or succumbed under the opposition backline’s pressure.
When he was in possession, Tzolis often gave the ball away or succumbed under the opposition backline’s pressure
It was a reversal from the carefree marches in the final third from just a week ago.
To top it off, he received a yellow card for a foul on Cash, before being hooked at half-time after going close to a second bookable offence just before the break.
The performance reflected how Tzolis has been brought in to compete for the left-wing spot, rather than as a certified starter.
He’s only 24, and internally Arsenal view him as a player with a high ceiling for the future.
Plus, the Premier League is arguably the most demanding league in world football.
It’s no coincidence that Arsenal are looking to further bolster their frontline in this window at left wing.
Tzolis is a promising player with a bright future ahead. Yet, putting the burden on him right now at Arsenal would be unwise.
Gunners hold the fort
Arteta’s obsession with a rock-solid defence came into focus once again.
In the 29 matches since the start of last season in which Arsenal scored first, the Gunners have won 26 games, had two draws and lost just once.
Adding to this, the signing of Ezri Konsa has strengthened Arsenal’s most formidable area — and it’s already forming their title defence.
The Gunners weren’t at their attacking best but, as has often been the case in the past year, a sole goal is enough because of their backline.
That is a psychological battle opponents will have to deal with, knowing that even if they don’t concede, scoring a goal will still be extremely hard to come by.
The foundations to further potential trophies are being laid.
