ARSENAL’S new boys impressed as Chelsea fell to a third successive defeat against the Gunners at Wembley – but the north London outfit are by no means the finished article.
The Gunners came from a goal down to take the season opener to penalties, eventually winning 4-1 in the new ABBA format of the shootout.
And it was new boy Sead Kolasinac who stole the show, scoring on debut after coming off the bench, in addition to giving an all-round accomplished performance.
New £45m striker Alexandre Lacazette also delivered a neat performance, linking up well with his teammates and demonstrating his eye for goal, curling a fine effort off the post during the first half.
In contrast, Chelsea’s £75m new boy, Alvaro Morata, had a debut to forget.
The Spanish international missed a header from close range with minutes to go to win it for Chelsea, as well as sending his penalty during the shootout off the post and wide.
Arsene Wenger will take encouragement from the performance of his new additions as well as the result, but will know full well his squad is still not where he needs it to be.
Multiple players are free to leave, including Mathieu Debuchy, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson & Lucas Perez, and others, such as Olivier Giroud & Gabriel Paulista could also be sold if the right offer comes in.
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However, Arsenal have struggled to get move on a number of players due to their inflated wages, which is hampering both signings and the ability to re-sign a number of key players.
The Gunners are continuing to work on Thomas Lemar, but also hold interest in Jean Michael Seri as well as Virgil Van Dijk, deals which cannot be pursued until players are let go.
And the club know full well they need to move fast on both exits & incomings if they are to have a squad in position to challenge for major honours this season.
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