Arsenal 3-0 Coventry: Greek Myths, Midfield Masters and Frank’s Forwards
Arsenal dispatch Coventry City in comfortable season opener
Tzolis is Here!
After tearing up the Belgian Pro League with 17 goals and 23 assists, Arsenal chose Christos Tzolis as their wide-left reinforcement for the upcoming season. Many domestic fans were sceptical of the 24 year old’s transition into Premier League football, a test that many fail to pass. It’s safe to say that after 2 assists in the Community Shield and a stellar debut performance in league, Tzolis has proven capable. Now of course, he will have to prove his worth with consistency, however his potency is undeniable. As direct as direct can be, a great touch, rapid movement and excellent vision.
One thing to note is the impact he will have on a team like Arsenal. Whilst the reigning Champions dominated most fixtures last season, criticism flew in from all sides regarding their ponderous, static play style. Now, with Tzolis operating on the left flank, Arsenal have a player whose first thought is: beat my man, get in the box.
The Greek winger will quickly become a fan favourite at The Emirates. The exact type of player Arsenal needed to get fans excited and offer something new.
The Midfield of Dreams...
It’s fair to say that Arteta has assembled a midfield roster of the highest level. The midfield trio out tonight, demonstrated the perfect balance of control, power and creativity. Young starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly dictated the tempo, dropping to receive the ball from the defence and progress play with ease. Declan Rice was arguably the least noticable of the lot, but still popped up in some intelligent positions to receive the ball in space and create chances. Club captain Martin Ødegaard earned Sky Sports’ Player of the Match with a superb offensive performance and a goal to go along with it. The finish itself was slightly lucky, however the Norwegain showcased his movement once again. Ødegaard is a master at picking the right place to be inside the 18 yard box, where Saka and several other wide players can drive to the byline and know exactly where to place the ball for him.
Despite the quality of this 3, Arsenal’s options don’t stop there. New signing Bruno Guimarães offers a perfect mix of all 3 previously mentioned players. A true all-action midfielder with an eye for a goal and an unwavering desire to win the ball back. If this wasn’t enough, add the consistent goal-threat of Mikel Merino, versatile playmaking and dynamism of Eberechi Eze and the dueling ability of Martín Zubimendi. With this, you’ve got a midfield group that is perfect for competing on all fronts. Even this list ignores the teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who operates on the wing yet naturally progressed through the club as a midfielder.
At least 7 options of supreme quality. Arsenal are ready to dominate in the middle of the park for years to come.
Lampard’s Strikers
New summer signing Taiwo Awoniyi featured off the bench from the 70th minute onwards, immediately offering the kind of profile a promoted team needs. His first course of action was simply to unsettle the Arsenal defense, who had been largely, if not entirely untested throughout the match. Multiple battles with Cristhian Mosquera gave Coventry fans something to cheer about, whilst his strength and determination gave his side a fairly constant outlet in their limited attacking play. It was a promising cameo to say the least. Hopefully, such signs turn into goals once Awoniyi’s presence is settled into the first 11.
Alongside the ex-Forest striker, Ellis Simms and Loum Tchaouna provide Lampard with a few options going forward. The question presents itself however, who will become the mainstays of Coventry’s Premier League campaign? Perhaps this question does not lend itself to Frank Lampard’s long-term plans with the squad, chopping and changing based on form, but it might be something to consider for the English manager. Awoniyi provides a strong focal point to attack in possession, with Premier League experience and proven goalscoring ability. Ellis Simms can be described in similar context, having been chosen to lead the line in Haji Wright’s absence from the squad. Loum Tchaouna offers a physical presence too, yet with more modern traits of dropping deeper to help with progression, even proving effective from range, with a destructively powerful left-foot.
Then come the more pacey options of Brandon Thomas-Asante and another new signing in Sidiki Cherif, players who thrive when running beyond the defensive line. It’s an abundance of option’s for Coventry, one of the many factors of their game to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
