First, the much-awaited debut of Kieran Tierney and returns for Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin. And whilst I am taking things with a massive pinch of salt as this was 'only' Nottingham Forest and there will be much bigger tests to come, one could not fail to have been impressed. Considering the trials and tribulations of the current first choice back four, one can only wonder if we could see Emery easing in a completely new first choice defence of Bellerin, Chambers, Holding, Tierney in the near future?
Although, of course, there is a case for saying that the problem is not necessarily the defence, but what's been in front of it. Because I'm afraid that we're very likely to see Xhaka back in the heart of midfield at Old Trafford, and it would be difficult for any set of defenders to cope with being continually exposed by his sluggishness.
I am not going to try to guess what the first choice XI may be come the Spring, but at this stage I'd like to imagine that it might be:
Leno
Bellerin Chambers Holding Tierney
Torreira
Guendouzi Willock
Pepe Lacazette Aubameyang
And with an exciting bench to boot!
Anyway, back to the game. Never a moment's worry, to be fair. And nor should it have been, of course. Martinez had almost nothing to do. Chambers is relishing his second chance at Arsenal, and has grabbed it with both hands. Holding looked composed and extremely solid in the centre (£2m for him; £85m for Harry Maguire, lest we forget) and helped Mustafi to a second successive clean sheet. Tierney was solid in defence, and gave us glimpses of what he is capable of going forward, hitting his crosses early and tellingly. Bellerin got 10 minutes, and whilst he wasn't tested at all defensively gave an asssist with his second touch.
In midfield, Torreira did his job well, and Willock gave further glimpses of an exciting future. Ozil, somewhat surprisingly starting, was neat and tidy and did some nice stuff (and was furious to come off on 70 minutes). Ceballos (or Danny Onions, as he is nicknamed by some) added some momentum when he came on for the German.
Up front, Martinelli scored two lovely goals and was lively throughout. One has to, however, feel sorry for Emil Smith Rowe, who came off injured (broken nose we think?) just before half-time. The poor kid is having no luck on the injury front. Nelson scored an absolute beauty, and Smith Rowe's replacement, Bukayo Saka, perhaps tried to do a little too much with the ball at his feet but showed what an exciting talent he is.
So on the whole a thoroughly satisfying night, although it remains to be seen how many of these players will have forced themselves into the starting XI at Manchester United. I'd certainly consider Holding and Chambers, but suspect that Tierney and especially Bellerin aren't quite ready yet. And I'd have no qualms about Willock playing (alongside Torreira and Guendouzi, please).
And to top it off, Tottenham going out at the hands of Division Two Colchester United made the evening doubly pleasurable. They must be as sick as Troy Parrott!
Until next week.
