Tequila!

A stroll in the sun. Consolidation of the raised performance levels in 22/23. An absolute worldy from our ‘new’ centre half. And a new song; a song that’s going to irritate the hell out of opposition supporters. What’s not to like?

https://twitter.com/SpySportsPl/status/1561046699518353409?s=20&t=FuyWDC9LV45yHAR3hCzo5g

Of course, some would argue that they haven't 'played anyone' yet, but Arsenal can only beat what's put in front of them, and winning at Selhurst Park was no walk in the park - literal or otherwise. And whilst Leicester are on the decline, and Bournemouth are clearly in for a relegation battle, both were despatched with ease. 

But what did we learn that was new from this game? 

Firstly, we saw a lot more of Arsenal's right hand side in this one. A better showing from Bukayo Saka, considerable threat from Ben White as a marauding right back, and a two-goal contribution from Martin Odegaard the fruits of that. Extra threat for opponents to think about. And with Tomiyasu getting a decent stint on the field late in the game, a pleasant dilemna for Arteta.

Secondly, further consolidation of Granit Xhaka's new role as a box-to-box midfielder (as Arsene Wenger proclaimed him to be when he signed him, in fact). He will, of course, have considerably bigger defensive tests later in the season, but he was Arsenal's most advanced player at times - aided and abetted by Zinchenko's positioning - and this is something else for opposing mangers to ponder.

A really solid performance from Thomas Partey cannot have gone un-noticed. Always there to clean up, and to receive the ball. Again, he'll come under much more pressure when the quality of opponent rises, but we know that he's capable of rising to that.

And William Saliba. Not only such a classy finish for his goal that I first thought that it must have been Jesus, but a 100% passing success rate (76/76). And he dealt pretty well with the dangerous Kiefer Moore - one recovery run after White got in a tangle was remarkable. We've got an absolute gem of a player here.

The Arsenal fans also deserve a mention. Phenomenal. Non-stop singing, and whoever came up with the new song for Saliba is in fact a genius! Kudos.

There's really not much else to add. A fast start and two early goals made the result inevitable from very early on, and this can only be classed as a very professional showing. With bigger tests to come; but time to gel further before they appear. 

I'd like to see a little bit of rotation from Arteta, however. In order to ensure that those that come into the side do not come in 'cold'. There's loads of interchangeability with little drop off in class, and I think that Arteta should exploit that in order to get meaningful minutes into as many players as possible. 

Anyway, top of the table as I type, and with Fulham and Aston Villa at home to follow in the next 10 days. This may go on for a while yet. Time for a celebratory glass of tequila, I think. COYG!