Martinelli's new shirt number, Willock transfer hint - 6 things noticed in Arsenal vs Watford - ArsenalGist

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Thursday, July 29, 2021

Martinelli's new shirt number, Willock transfer hint - 6 things noticed in Arsenal vs Watford

 

Martinelli's new shirt number, Willock transfer hint - 6 things noticed in Arsenal vs Watford


Kaya Kaynak, Gunner's writer for football.london, looks at some of the moments you might have missed during their 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over the Hornets at London Colney.


Sambi makes an appearance once more.

When the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga was announced, not many Arsenal fans screamed from the rooftops, but the Belgian has shown evidence that he could be a very shrewd acquisition this summer.



Sambi Lokonga has impressed in his first two games against Milwall and Watford, constantly wanting to move forward and with the poise and leadership of a guy who captained Anderlecht at the age of 21.


Although it is only pre-season and the competition was not of the best quality, he appears to be a player capable of stepping up to Premier League level.


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    He was allowed to pair Thomas Partey for a little period in the second half on Wednesday at London Colney, providing a preview of what the Gunners midfield could look like this season. The future appears to be promising.


    Martinelli's new shirt number, Willock transfer hint - 6 things noticed in Arsenal vs Watford


    Nuno is a no-no.

    Nuno Tavares started the match with Sambi Lokonga, another new recruit at London Colney.



    The Portugal international has already demonstrated his offensive ability with a magnificent goal against the Rangers on his debut, but there are still some concerns about his defensive abilities.

    These concerns were raised once more against Watford when the 21-year-old made one of his typical aggressive forward runs only to be robbed in the final third.

    Tavares, on the other hand, ambled back into place rather than sprinting, with Eddie Nketiah covering for him. Mikel Arteta's non-negotiables are hard work and discipline, and Tavares will want to avoid falling foul of them again.



    Old behaviors resurface


    Arsenal ended just six points off of the top four last season, and in the end, they could only really blame themselves.

    Individual errors cost them dearly, with Granit Xhaka's gaffe against Burnley and Bernd Leno's gaffe against Everton being the most egregious examples.


    Martinelli's new shirt number, Willock transfer hint - 6 things noticed in Arsenal vs Watford


    After controlling practically the whole game against Watford, Arteta will be concerned by the ease with which a slip in concentration allowed the Hornets to re-enter the game.



    Mohamed Elneny's carelessness in the box in the build-up to Phillip Zinckernagel's goal is a problem that the Spaniard will hope does not cost his team when the stakes are higher.


    Willian's new position


    This week has seen a lot of speculation about who Arsenal will bring in to fill the number ten spot during the summer transfer window.

    Although Emile Smith Rowe has signed a long-term contract, it is understood that the Gunners would like to bring in another player, with Martin Odegaard and James Maddison being closely linked.

    It was somewhat shocking to see Willian playing the position against Watford. In his time in England, the Brazilian has mostly played on the wing, but he sees himself as a center midfielder.



    He did technically assist Eddie Nketiah's early goal, but the England under-21 international did the majority of the work. Overall, the performance was insufficient to convince Arsenal that they do not need to enter the transfer market again this summer, with the 32-year-pressing old's being slightly lazy at times compared to the rest of his teammates.


    Willock makes a suggestion


    It was noteworthy to notice that Sead Kolasinac, Hector Bellerin, and Joe Willock were all absent against Milwall on Saturday due to transfer rumors.



    The former pair were both engaged against Watford on Tuesday, but Willock was nowhere to be found amid claims that Monaco had joined Newcastle in the race for his signing.

    Arteta did indicate previously in pre-season that the 21-year-old was suffering from a muscular ailment, which could explain why he didn't play at London Colney.

    But, with Arsenal needing to sell a few players to fund the remainder of their transfer plans, Willock's status could be one to keep an eye on.



    Martinelli's latest song


    Miguel Azeez was one player that saw time in Joe Willock's absence.

    The 18-year-old midfielder missed the club's pre-season tour to Scotland, but he returned to training this week and has impressed the Arsenal coaching staff.

    He maintained a similar form in match practice, scoring the Gunners' fourth goal with a brilliant curling attempt from the edge of the box on his weaker left foot.

    Interestingly, he accomplished it while wearing the number 35 on his back, which was previously worn by Gabriel Martinelli.



    The Brazilian is currently with his country at the Olympics, but this might be a clue that he will be wearing a new shirt number when he returns to the Emirates next month.

    Numbers 8 and 18 are now the only senior shirt numbers available in north London, but with Lucas Torreira due to leave this summer, Martinelli could wear number 11 next season.


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