Arsenal and 100 points

when Mikel MerinoArsenal’s new signing, arrived at the London Colney facility, in north London, one of the first greetings he received was from the black Labrador dog the Gunners have at their training facilities. ‘win‘, the name given to him Mikel Arteta The mascot with which he tries to honor the team’s hunger for victories, is the link between the players, and a constant reason for joy.

Merino and the Italian Calafiorithe two ‘newbies’ in the group, are quickly learning the codes of the ambitious ‘family’ of Arsenal, who once again aim to be almost infallible and reach 100 points this year, in the challenge of knocking out Manchester City.

Sentimental connection

The sentimental connection of Merino In ‘Gunners’ he came from afar, and it was not an invention, although he often repeated that it was his dream since he was little. In your case, this is true. In the first interview he gave to the club’s media to introduce himself to the fans, the former Real Sociedad player showed a beautiful photo from when he was young, already wearing Arsenal’s red shirt with white sleeves, a dream that now has come true. “Keep doing what you are doing and we will achieve great things,” he told them as his first message.

The combination between the passion of the Gunners fans and the ambition that the club has now, since its arrival Mikel Artetais what is most convinced Merino that Arsenal are on course for titles. His acquisition was strategic, to improve quality and strength in the midfield. The Navarrese player’s ability to win duels in the most physical matches explains the disbursement of 32 million pounds by the north London club. The 28-year-old arrives with a reputation as one of the best recovery players in European football. His contribution should make Arsenal more difficult to beat, as they have already shown their first two victories (Wolverhampton and Aston Villa).

After a good result at Villa Park, a euphoric group of fans shouted around the Birmingham stadium: “Arsenal hungry.” And it is true. That’s the feeling the Gunners sent today, with massive self-demand and unity. The renewed spirit of this season was seen in the 0-2 draw against Aston Villa, on one of the toughest pitches in the Premier League and against the tactics of Unai Emery, where he was imprisoned last year, a defeat that counted for City to finally win their fourth consecutive title.

Amazing performance by the goalkeeper David Raya This time it was very decisive for Arsenal to win that important match. drawingsupported by the best defense in English football, has quickly established a benchmark at the Emirates, because he is Aaron Ramsdale gaining the trust of the whole club. Due to the Spanish merger, now the former ‘Gunner’ goalkeeper has asked to leave and has been transferred to Southampton.

Another twist

Strengthening and competition between all lines is key to the team’s evolution to end City’s dominance. Arsenal already had a big threat from set pieces, but with the arrival of Merino It will get stronger. Experienced in English football, after playing 24 games for Newcastle in the 2017-18 season, Merino He arrived at the Emirates to help with the tactical variants, and take advantage of the depth of the squad in the second half.

In recent years, injuries have disrupted Arsenal’s plans, which Arteta try to avoid this year. Seven players played at least 30 games last year, and Arsenal, despite having 89 points, finished behind City. That breakdown took its toll as everyone knows the best ‘eleven’ Artetathat created two other problems: starters felt overstretched and replacements lost confidence. Some of them asked to leave, like Smith Rowe (Fulham) and Nketiah (Crystal Palace).

The best defense

Not even showing the best defense in English football was enough for the team Mikel Arteta to be a champion. They conceded only 29 goals. However, this was not enough to overcome the restless City of Pep Guardiola. For this reason, Arsenal’s calculations for this year are based on the highest requirement: the need to reach or exceed 100 points. The mountain will rise higher and higher and the rival will force them to make the minimum concession. The city will also have this year Erling Haalandtheir scorer, rested, not playing the European Championship with Norway. He has ten hat-tricks, 94 goals in 101 games, and what is to come, given his performance in his first two games, a bright signal for all his rivals.

Hence the message of Mikel Arteta to his players he was clear: “To win the title, we need more from everyone, raise the individual and collective level, work every day with emotion. And when difficulties come, stay together and overcome them well.” And that is why he camewin‘ at London Colney. To create group cohesion and improve coexistence in the difficult daily work of preparing for matches. This is what happened this week, focusing on beating dangerous Brighton tomorrow. Fabian Hurzelera tough rival that will test the level of this ambitious Arsenal.