Three huge Arsenal decisions Mikel Arteta has already got right this season, including Kai Havertz call
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the form that his Arsenal side have produced so far in this campaign, as they remain unbeaten in all competitions.
The Spanish coach, as well as his players, deserves huge credit for the performances that the North London club have produced, including statement victories over Tottenham Hotspur and PSG, in the Premier League and Champions League, respectively.
Arteta’s big decisions have all paid off so far this season, and if that trend continues then the Gunners stand an excellent chance of being crowned champions.
Mikel Arteta kept faith in Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey has been a fixture in the starting XI so far this season, and has been a reliable presence in the middle of the park.
Partey was heavily criticised last season, as his performances towards the end of the season were poor, following another injury ravaged campaign.
However, the Ghanaian looks to have put his recurrent fitness issues behind him for now. In fact, Partey has started more games for Arsenal at the beginning of a campaign this time around than he has ever managed before.
Kai Havertz leading the line for Arsenal
Kai Havertz found his feet at the Emirates Stadium midway through last season after he was moved up front, after Arteta experimented with using the German in a midfield role.
Ahead of this season, though, Arteta warned he may still use Havertz in the middle of the park. So far at least, he has resisted that urge and has been rewarded for it, as the 25-year-old has been in blistering form.
Havertz matched a Robin van Persie record when he netted against Southampton on Saturday, as he has now scored in seven home games in a row for the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli given time
Gabriel Martinelli did not have a stellar season last time around, and began the new campaign looking bereft of confidence too. At one stage, Arsenal fans called on Arteta to drop Martinelli from the regular starting XI.
However, the manager was clearly keen to give the Brazilian winger every opportunity to play his way back to his best.
Martinelli has now shown signs of finding form, and has found the back of the net in two Premier League outings on the bounce. Arteta’s trust in the attacker is now being repaid.
