With Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere having departed Arsenal amid Unai Emerys summer overhaul, the north Londoners badly need a player to emerge as a reliable figure in midfield.
Granit Xhaka has been slammed for his inconsistency, Mohamed Elneny remains a much-criticised figure and new signing Lucas Torreira is expected to focus on defensive duties this term.
But could another new face, Matteo Guendouzi, have an immediate impact this season? Arriving from Ligue 2 side Lorient this summer after starting his career with Paris Saint Germain, big things are expected of the 19-year-old.
More: Football
On his first Arsenal appearance since his summer move, he lasted 74 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Europe League winners Atletico Madrid in Singapore, which Diego Simeones side won 3-1 on penalties.
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Luciano Viettos header was cancelled out by Emile Smith Rowes wonderful strike just after the interval but in a shoot-out where five of the nine were saved, Atletico eventually prevailed.
Guendouzi was involved on a regular basis at both ends of the pitch and did enough to suggest that he will play more than a bit-part for Arsenal this season.
What did he do well?
Copyright: 2018 Getty Images)
Guendouzi doesnt lack confidence on the ball and played the role of distributor during patches of the first half when Arsenal were in the ascendancy.
He spread two raking passes out to Alex Iwobi and another to Sead Kolasinac and appeared to relish laying the foundation for Arsenals attacks.
Such was his confidence on his maiden appearance that he even attempted to beat Atletico keeper Jan Oblak from 35 yards during the opening 45 minutes, but his effort ballooned over the crossbar.
Emery will be encouraged by just how comfortable he looked in possession – far more so than Elneny or Xhaka have in the past – and gives him something to build on going forward.
What did he do badly?
Atletico may represent quality opponents but even so Guendouzi will be uncomfortable with how often he was caught ahead of the ball, allowing the Spaniards room to attack on the break.
And though his confidence in possession was to be admired, Guendouzis decision-making needs plenty of work.
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At regular intervals he was caught dawdling, in the first half by Kevin Gameiro and then almost by Thomas Partey as he tip-toed around his own penalty-area.
This trend continued into the second period and almost led to a second Atletico goal as Gameiro rounded the youngster and crossed, leading to Rodrigos shot deflecting wide.
You could even partly blame Guendouzi for Atleticos opener which came after he failed to track-back and pick-up the Argentine Vietto, who planted a header beyond Bernd Leno.
Eventually put out of his misery with a quarter of the game to go and replaced by Joe Willock, it was clear that while his display began well there are huge areas to improve on.
What does the future hold?
Emery insisted upon the France Under-20 internationals arrival that he would play a role in Arsenals first team this season.
The signing of Uruguay international Torreira may limit his opportunities for the senior side, but Emery will have no hesitation in fielding him in dispatches this term.
More: Arsenal FC
The only questions surround whether he has the temperament to manage his game against more talented opponents.
Sides of Atleticos calibre wont provide the opposition every week in the Premier League, but the pressure on him to perform will certainly ratchet up.
Emery will be keen to impress upon him that while his expansive passing is a fine attribute, he must know when to keep things simple and play with the teams best interests at heart.
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With Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere having departed Arsenal amid Unai Emerys summer overhaul, the north Londoners badly need a player to emerge as a reliable figure in midfield.
Granit Xhaka has been slammed for his inconsistency, Mohamed Elneny remains a much-criticised figure and new signing Lucas Torreira is expected to focus on defensive duties this term.
But could another new face, Matteo Guendouzi, have an immediate impact this season? Arriving from Ligue 2 side Lorient this summer after starting his career with Paris Saint Germain, big things are expected of the 19-year-old.
More: Football
On his first Arsenal appearance since his summer move, he lasted 74 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Europe League winners Atletico Madrid in Singapore, which Diego Simeones side won 3-1 on penalties.
Advertisement Advertisement
Luciano Viettos header was cancelled out by Emile Smith Rowes wonderful strike just after the interval but in a shoot-out where five of the nine were saved, Atletico eventually prevailed.
Guendouzi was involved on a regular basis at both ends of the pitch and did enough to suggest that he will play more than a bit-part for Arsenal this season.
What did he do well?
Copyright: 2018 Getty Images)
Guendouzi doesnt lack confidence on the ball and played the role of distributor during patches of the first half when Arsenal were in the ascendancy.
He spread two raking passes out to Alex Iwobi and another to Sead Kolasinac and appeared to relish laying the foundation for Arsenals attacks.
Such was his confidence on his maiden appearance that he even attempted to beat Atletico keeper Jan Oblak from 35 yards during the opening 45 minutes, but his effort ballooned over the crossbar.
Emery will be encouraged by just how comfortable he looked in possession – far more so than Elneny or Xhaka have in the past – and gives him something to build on going forward.
What did he do badly?
Atletico may represent quality opponents but even so Guendouzi will be uncomfortable with how often he was caught ahead of the ball, allowing the Spaniards room to attack on the break.
And though his confidence in possession was to be admired, Guendouzis decision-making needs plenty of work.
Advertisement Advertisement
At regular intervals he was caught dawdling, in the first half by Kevin Gameiro and then almost by Thomas Partey as he tip-toed around his own penalty-area.
This trend continued into the second period and almost led to a second Atletico goal as Gameiro rounded the youngster and crossed, leading to Rodrigos shot deflecting wide.
You could even partly blame Guendouzi for Atleticos opener which came after he failed to track-back and pick-up the Argentine Vietto, who planted a header beyond Bernd Leno.
Eventually put out of his misery with a quarter of the game to go and replaced by Joe Willock, it was clear that while his display began well there are huge areas to improve on.
What does the future hold?
Emery insisted upon the France Under-20 internationals arrival that he would play a role in Arsenals first team this season.
The signing of Uruguay international Torreira may limit his opportunities for the senior side, but Emery will have no hesitation in fielding him in dispatches this term.
More: Arsenal FC
The only questions surround whether he has the temperament to manage his game against more talented opponents.
Sides of Atleticos calibre wont provide the opposition every week in the Premier League, but the pressure on him to perform will certainly ratchet up.
Emery will be keen to impress upon him that while his expansive passing is a fine attribute, he must know when to keep things simple and play with the teams best interests at heart.
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