Reasons To Be Cheerful

This week, I'm going to cover Arsenal 2 Burnley 1, the impact of the new signings and a preview of the massive game hoving into view next weekend. I'll also spare a few words for Robin van Persie, and for VAR.

For the first time for a good number of years, going to Emirates Stadium didn't feel like a chore on Saturday. More positive vibes at Board level, and the consequential new signings, brought a buzz of optimism to the crowd, and we were not disappointed. But it wouldn't be Arsenal, of course, without a few moments of concern.

So, the good: 

David Luiz clearly adds a new dimension to Arsenal's rearguard. Yes, he can distribute the ball well. Yes, he stood up well to the physical threat of Barnes and Wood. Yes, he was the last to step up to play Barnes onside for the Burnley goal. So all pretty par for the course for David Luiz (and I should mention that I felt sorry for Calum Chambers missing out after a good solid display last week). 

And I love this photo, by the way :)

Whilst Nelson was fairly quiet (notwithstanding a lovely finish for his disallowed goal) and Maitland-Niles slightly error-prone, along with his fellow-youngsters, Joe Willock shone out as the most advanced of the three boys and the most likely to keep his place in the side. Although with it being Liverpool next week I'd more than half expect Xhaka or Torreira to come in.

Dani Ceballos had a really good game. I've seen him likened to 'Santi Cazorla on speed' and to the demigod Robert Pires, but I saw quite a lot of Fabregas in him too. And who wouldn't take a hybrid of those three?!?

Nicolas Pepe played a half as he builds up to speed, and looks a really exciting addition to the team. Rapid, very skilful (he mugged off Mee at one point with a spectacular nutmeg) and clearly already building a rapport with Auba and Laca. What's not to be excited about?

It was also good to see Kolsasinac back for a short cameo. Rumours abound, however, that mainly for non-footballing reasons we may have seen the last of the mercurial Ozil in our lovely new red shirt.

And one thing I loved, and haven't seen for a long while in an Arsenal side. Leaving two men up - split on both sides - when the opposition had a corner. It's a numbers game, and it had Burnley rather confused.

And the not so good:

Playing out from the back from goal kicks. Firstly, Leno needs to speed up his thought processes. Secondly, all this is doing is putting pressure on ourselves. If Burnley can give us palpitations closing defenders down, what will Liverpool and Spurs do to us in the next two matches? If I could make a plea to the Manager, it would be to mix it up a bit so as to put a bit of doubt into the opposition's minds at Arsenal goal kicks. We will concede a penalty or goal if we continue with it.

But on the whole a perfectly satisfactory and promising start to the season so far. Acid tests are about to follow, however.

And so to Liverpool. Champions of Europe. Unlucky not to have won the Premier League last year. etc etc. And of course there's plenty to fear; especially the inverted wingers who are going to put massive pressure on our full backs and look to commit our centre halves early. And for that reason I see Emery playing two defensive midfielders to help them out, and to look to hit them on the break where possible. If they have weaknesses, they might be in central midfield - although I'm sure that Klopp will make plans for Ceballos - and in central defence where whilst van Dijk is almost peerless, questions can be asked of whoever is chosen to partner him. The work rate of the entire side is going to be critical, but we have pace to burn on the break, so we shall see. A big game, but maybe a bridge too far so early in the season.

And so to two side issues:

1.  Robin van Persie. I'm sorry, but his 'explanation' on BT Sport takes quite a lot of believing. I watched it on Twitter and smelt a rat, feeling that it didn't add up - didn't really make much sense and I wasn't sure quite what he was saying - and then looked at the comments... and, well! It seems that 99% of Arsenal fans feel the same way - that it's a re-write of history. If he's trying to ingratiate himself with Arsenal fans he'd have been better off coming clean. I don't buy it. And another reason to read the book that I sincerely hope that Arsene Wenger is currently writing - the chapter on Cole/Fabregas/Nasri/Adebayor/van Persie will be fascinating.

2.  VAR. Well, once more Tottenham benefit from a marginal over-rule against Manchester City. And having had my first experience of it 'live' on Saturday I must add that whilst I can see the benefits of it, it a) sucks a good percentage of the enjoyment out of celebrating and b) whilst I can see the advantages of having clearly defined parameters, it's the Laws that VAR is looking to uphold that need to be re-examined. That it was Tottenham who benefitted was a pity - although seeing City drop points is always good. Anyhoo, it's early days for VAR and we will have to see if the 'swings and roundabouts' effect does work out. On balance, I remain in the Against column.

And so to Liverpool. I'll take a draw right now. Until next week.