Key Points for Arsenal Ahead of Crystal Palace Match
Arsenal is set to face Crystal Palace in their first away game of the season, with a focus on their away form and competitiveness across all positions.
Arsenal’s away form is crucial for competing for the Premier League title. In the previous season, they secured an impressive 39 points from 19 away matches, a significant improvement from the 28 points earned in the 2021/22 season. To challenge the likes of Manchester City for the title, Arsenal needs to replicate such away performances in the 2023/24 season.
Except for Bukayo Saka, most positions in the Arsenal lineup remain open for rotation. Manager Mikel Arteta aims to foster healthy competition among the squad members to drive continuous improvement. This approach is being taken to harness the strengths of various players in different positions, enhancing the overall team performance.
With Jurrien Timber’s injury, Arsenal is seeking alternatives at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko could be a favored choice, but his recent return from injury might lead to shared game time with Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior. The left-back position’s stability and performance are crucial for maintaining the team’s overall gameplay.
The Arsenal lineup for the opening match surprised some fans, as Gabriel Magalhaes was on the bench and Thomas Partey played as a right-back. It remains to be seen whether Arteta will stick to a similar formation or revert to a traditional four-defender setup with William Saliba and Gabriel in the center. This decision will also impact the positioning of Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz, given Arteta’s diverse midfield options.
