It’s been a busy few days at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta dealing with both losses and additions to the squad following Victor Gokeres’ injury. The Swedish striker was injured after scoring in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burnley, and to add insult to injury, he is currently second to one of his rivals in the Premier League’s summer signings.
But it’s not all bad news for the Emirates Stadium, as a familiar face from the Arsene Wenger era returned to his old club this week after finding himself without the club. In other news, Leandro Trossard shared some of the inspiration behind his impressive season and one teammate in particular who helped him achieve it. Express Sport brings you a breakdown of today’s headlines from north London as the Premier League leaders prepare for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.
Gokeres are ranked below United.
Despite ending his Premier League goal drought at Turf Moor, Gokeres has not impressed the Liverpool legend as much as Benjamin Sesco. Both strikers caught the attention of Arsenal and moved to England in the summer, but have faced their own challenges since then.
Gokeres, 27, scored the opening goal against Burnley on Saturday, taking his tally of goals in 10 Premier League games to four. Manchester United’s Sesco has only scored half of his goals in 10 league games under manager Ruben Amorim, scoring just two goals, but he still left a big impression on Didi Hamann. He compared the pair to Newcastle newcomer Nick Waltemaid.
“I think the club that creates the most chances is Arsenal, so Gokeres will probably be better than the other two, Voltemade and Sesco,” the 2005 Champions League winner told footballblog.co.uk. “Out of the three players, I think Sesko and Waltemade are more impressive than Gokeres.
“If Walte Maid is Newcastle’s regular penalty taker from now until the end of the season, I would put Walte Maid down as the player who has scored the most of the three this season.
“I think it was also difficult for Sesco at first because the game is different in England and Germany. But he is a very talented player. He was always very confident and believed in his abilities. But when you come to a club where the situation is not good, it is difficult for a striker.”
Former Stuttgart striker Voltemade has arguably adapted the best since his move to the Premier League, scoring four goals in seven appearances for the Magpies. Many Arsenal supporters may be baffled by Hamann’s assessment of the forward, but the onus is on Gokeres to prove them wrong.
Oxlade-Chamberlain reunites with Arteta
The Gunners welcomed a familiar face to training this week in an unexpected reunion. At the very least, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be familiar to Arteta, given that they were team-mates under Wenger.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is without a club and is available as a free agent after his contract with Besiktas was terminated in July. Despite this, he returned to his former employer in search of an opportunity to regain match fitness.
The 32-year-old, who was linked with a move to Leeds in the summer transfer window, is thought to be primarily active with London Colney’s youth team. Arteta had nothing but positive things to say about the player, suggesting the former England international’s presence could be of benefit to the current squad.
Asked about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s arrival this week, the Spaniard said: “Top. Top character.” “One of the best people I’ve ever met in football. If we can help him and give him space so he can get up to speed and have the ability to find the club.
“I’m happy for that. The players will learn from that. I had the privilege of playing with him. If he’s around, he’ll be a really good example for the team to have around.”
Trossard praises Calafiori’s chemistry
Arsenal fans will be particularly pleased to see Trossard commit on new terms over the summer, given his excellent start to the season. With Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all suffering from injuries, he made a big contribution, making an impact both as a starter and as a substitute on the bench.
But the Belgian’s three goals and three assists in 12 games this season wasn’t all his own credit. And Trossard credits Riccardo Calafioli with being a big help on the left, creating a telepathic connection between the two.
Calafioli has been one of Arteta’s best players so far this season and was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award in August. And Trossard confirmed his opinion this week in impressive testimony.
Asked if he had ever played with a full-back like Calafioli, he said: “No, but Lissie. I think that’s one of his strengths too. He pops up everywhere and he’s in the pocket as a striker.”
“He’s already scored some great goals, so I think his unpredictability can be damaging to the team as well, and I have a good relationship with him at the moment.”
“So I know what he can do, where he can show up and in what position. So sometimes I can play the ball blind against him and I know he’s there.”
