Can’t believe it’s here already!
I don’t know about you but I am very ready for the new season, sashes and all. Ahead of our season opener against Arsenal on Friday under the lights, I had a brief chat with Michael from You Are My Arsenal to get an his perspective on the opening game of the season at Selhurst…
In some ways there are parallels between the two clubs. Not historically of course, or in terms of expectations, but we both took a big gamble on a young manager, and trusted them with significant squad overhauls, we’ve both evolved to be among the youngest squads in the division, and both have used Cup success to achieve fan buy-in. If this runs true, perhaps they are a season ahead of us in evolutionary terms… But let’s jump in and see what the other side is thinking…
Q – So Michael, what are your feelings about the season ahead? What are your hopes and fears?
MICHAEL – This is the first time in quite a few years that I feel really positive about Arsenal this season. A proper pre-season has allowed us to see the team build on the inconsistent promise of last season and prepare for the coming season. The new signings, especially Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko are showing everything we’d hoped for. We definitely look like we’ve fixed the inability to score goals but the reality is only time will tell if that’s true or not. I do think that if everything works out that Arsenal will find themselves back in the top four this season. All of that, however, could be derailed by injuries something that played a big part in missing out on top four last season. I am worried about the depth of the squad and the talent or readiness of the players beyond 3 or 4 on the bench.
TEB – That’s an interesting perspective, as I feel that’s the areas Palace have really upgraded as well, the ability to score goals across the pitch (well across the front 4/5) and having players that can genuinely make an impact from the bench.
Q – Which player are you most excited to see this season?
MICHAEL – I think its going to fall in line with everyone else’s – Gabriel Jesus. For 18 months (all of last season and a few of the previous) we just weren’t able to score. We’d do well with the ball moving into the final third only to have our forwards spurn the chances created. Jesus looks like a player with a point to prove and I am going to enjoy watching him do just that.
TEB – He’s certainly had a pre-season to notice. Arsenal have been cooking. In truth, I think your front four is up there with ours as the most exciting in the league. Signing Jesus didn’t feel that big a statement – Premier League yes, technically good yes, but hardly deadly… Across 5 full seasons at City he only broke double figures twice, and never got beyond 14 league goals. Yet his movement, awareness and touch have brought him 7 pre-season goals also elevating the wide attackers around him, most notably fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Jesus seems a man reborn!
Q. What would be your dream signing before the window shuts?
MICHAEL – Dream singing kind of insinuates a big name. For me its not so much a big name but I’d like us to settle the midfield and I think that means Youri Tielemans. Premier League proven and an absolute dream on and off the ball. After him it’s a wide forward to rotate with Saka. Pepe has been a failed experiment and I think we need to have some additional quality on the right side. For that I’d like to see Cody Gakpo come in.
TEB – You definitely seem a stronger team and squad. Yet, I’m optimistic that we can still get at you. A lot is riding on the other transfer from Oil FC Manchester City, and returning French defender William Saliba to bring grit and game management. Zinchenko is an upgrade on Xhaka but might have to start the season alongside him. Given you were bottom of the league (alongside Norwich) last season in points achieved after falling behind with a measly 4, it’s not surprising you still feel a bit vulnerable.
Q – This is the second season in a row you’ve played the league opener – is that good or bad?
MICHAEL – For the purist, it stinks. No one wants to play on a Friday night. I like a good 3pm kickoff on a Saturday but honestly, I am non-committal on whether it’s good or bad. Or perhaps the Premier League likes Arsenal enough that having us feature on opening day is what they want.
TEB – This probably splits opinion, but I’m pretty excited about a Friday night game under the lights at Selhurst (and suspect it favours us ever so slightly compared to a standard time).
Q – What’s your feelings about Palace this season?
MICHAEL – Obviously I would naturally be a big Patrick Vieira fan and I love seeing him in the Premier League. His coaching previously looked sort of hit and miss and I wondered if he’d be successful here. But he has given Palace a real identity and it looks like a team that isn’t just happy to stave off relegation. I hope that continues. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do well in the league or FA Cup.
TEB – Let’s hope so! Europe is the dream!
Q – To the game on Friday (5 August) – Where’s the game going to be won or lost?
MICHAEL – Selhurst Park is not a great place to play for anyone and for us it was abysmal. So for Arsenal, they have to come in mentally prepared and focused. But I really think overall it’s going to be which back four shuts down the opposition attack. You murdered us last year and defensively we looked pathetic. Additionally our attack last season was toothless. With an improved attack and defence, it really is going to come down to which side can limit the chances of the other and shut down the attacking threats.
TEB – For me, I feel the press is going to win or lose this game. Another dimension of Jesus’ game is how well he can press. Arsenal had a significantly lower number of pressures / successful pressures over the course of last season compared to Palace. It’s an unknown if our attack can press as frequently without Conor Gallagher (and probably with less Jordan Ayew). This may go a long way to determining the result and our season. Either way, with both sides boasting exciting attacking options and an increasingly solid back line, whichever side manages to control the midfield will feel confident in winning the game.
Big thanks to Michael for his thoughts – can’t wait for the game and to see how close our previews match up.
