‘I really like what I saw today’ – Arteta especially blown away by Arsenal trio in 4-1 win v Leverkusen
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he was left impressed with the performances of the attacking trio of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Emirates Cup at Emirates Stadium today.
The three Gunners stars all found the back of the net against the Bundesliga club after Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring, but it was the chemistry between them on the pitch which left Arteta wowed.
“I think it’s something you can see coming,” the Arsenal boss replied when asked on the understanding developing between Jesus and Havertz.
“It’s natural, it flows, there is good chemistry between them – and as well with Leo. The three, they have that false nine profile. I really like what I saw today.
“You have to be very sensitive to read the information that the players are giving you. Individually, the chemistry they have within the unit, how things flow, one side and the other. It’s certainly something that we can still develop, especially on our left side. Those combinations are giving us options. They are all really, really good players so the competition is quite big there.”
The North London club have been linked with several strikers this summer, with many insisting their lack of a quality number 9 prevented them from winning the Premier League title last month.
However, Arteta could opt against bringing in another forward after the performances of his attackers during this pre-season left him satisfied.
Jesus has been sharper in recent weeks and is starting to look back to his best, and the Brazilian striker is desperate to prove himself.
Injuries, a lack of form and playing chances limited the former Manchester City star to just four goals and five assists in 17 Premier League starts last term, and he will be keen to repay the faith Arteta has in him.
Havertz notched 13 league goals and seven assists while Trossard bagged 12 league goals and an assist.
They will both look to do better in 2024-25, and having an inspired and fit Jesus with them in attack could do wonders for Arsenal and make them get the job done as far as winning the title is concerned.