It was a warm welcome for Granit Xhaka back at the Emirates but this time in a different colour. The resounding applause when he got subbed off towards the end of the game resonates how much respect of Arsenal fans he earned just before he departed last summer. I miss him though.
It tool the first 10 minutes of the game for me to realize how much I had missed watching Arsenal play. The energy of the game was very different from what we saw in the earlier games against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool. I enjoyed the quick succession of the first two goals as we looked threatening with every attack, and that's what we love to see.
The lineup was not too much unexpected with Saka, Rice and Martinelli the only trio missing from what would have been a regular Arsenal setup, yet, that didn't prove to stop us from running riot from the get go. This is a big plus if we have to go one step further this season.
For a title-winning side, like Manchester City have shown, whether you're playing your regular team or there's a bit of rotation, there should be little or no difference in the quality of play, almost unnoticeable and that's something I think we've lacked for a while. We'd see how the season goes with this.
I understand Arteta brought in Raya to play his style of football but I'm not very sure how Ramsdale has gotten to a point of almost being frozen out of the team. I think he could have at least given him some minutes, especially at four goals up. It would have done no harm. As sad as it sounds, I'm gearing up for his exit because, except we're to be unfair, he's played his part in helping Arsenal get to where they are. Perhaps though, his assignment is completed and it's time to move on.
The academy boys were also very impressive, particularly Myles Lewis-Skelly, who again shone at left back where he has featured all pre-season. A good outing for Zinchenko too and his first goal in his new jersey number was worth the launch.
The wait to see Calafiori in action continues. Hopefully, this is quenched against Lyon. But, hey, no rush.