Three Things Arsenal Must Do After the International Break

Arsenal have enjoyed a positive start to the season, which sees them head into their first game after the international break against Fulham on October 18, top of the table. The Gunners defeated West Ham last time out, with Declan Rice and a Bukayo Saka penalty sealing a comfortable 2-0 win. Mikel Arteta’s men have also won both of their Champions League games and will face Brighton in the last 16 of the EFL Cup. Here are three things Arsenal need to do after the international break.

3 Things Arsenal Must Do After the International Break

Get the Best Out of Viktor Gyokeres

After a scintillating spell with Sporting Lisbon, Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal for a £55 million guaranteed fee, plus £8.5 million in add-ons on a five-year deal. Since arriving at the Emirates, Gyokeres has scored three goals in ten appearances in all competitions.

The Swede is at his best running in behind, drawing defenders, and turning them. It feels Mikel Arteta’s team have yet to get the best out of their summer signing. He looks isolated for large parts of games, and seems uncomfortable when having to drop deep. It feels like a run of goals would help the Swedish international settle. If the Gunners can get Gyokeres firing, it would be a huge boost for Arteta.

Rotate and Manage Player Fitness

With 10 games scheduled from the Fulham match on October 18 until the end of November, it’s vital that the Arsenal boss rotates his players and utilises his squad depth. Arteta is currently without Noni Maduekea and Martin Odegaard, among others. Despite these absences, the Gunners still boast a squad full of quality.

Having a bench with players such as Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Cristhian Mosquera will help ensure Arteta can keep the Arsenal team fresh for this busy period until the end of November, with no let-up before the end of the year. With talented players still to come back, Arsenal’s strength in depth is looking impressive.

Maintain Defensive Performance

Arsenal have been impressive defensively so far this season, with the team keeping seven clean sheets in 10 games in all competitions. Since returning from injury, Saliba has looked solid, with Mosquera providing much-needed strength in depth at central defence for the Gunners.

The defensive shield of Declan Rice and summer signing Martin Zubimendi has been vital in protecting the defence, but the defenders have looked solid apart from the occasional lapse on set pieces. As the club enters a busy couple of months, it’s vital that they remain defensively solid. Teams will look to breach the gap between Arteta’s defence and midfield.

Despite injuries, Arsenal look in good shape heading out of the international break and will be eager to extend their lead at the top of the table, while progressing in all cup competitions.

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