Time is tight. Arsenal’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford is live now, and Arteta goes bold.
David Raya towers between the sticks once more, no shaking his grip on that shirt.
In front of him, Arteta reassembles steel, a back four led by Gabriel Magalhães, flanked by Saliba and Timber.
And at left back? Myles Lewis-Skelly slips in, replacing Calafiori.
A return. A statement.
Midfield, the engine room hums with promise. Martin Zubimendi, fresh from pre-season brilliance, anchors the trio in his Arsenal debut.
Rice and Ødegaard are his lieutenants, tactical, composed, electric.
Upfront, Gyökeres debuts in full glory, starting against United after that pre-season goal.
Sharp, hungry, unknown. Martinelli partners on the left; Saka charges from the right, eyes narrowed.
So here’s the XI, in a heartbeat:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Old Trafford is history’s shadow, Arsenal have won there once in their last few trips. Yet with new faces anchoring identity and purpose, Arteta believes the pendulum could swing.
And this lineup? It’s not just names. It’s narrative, a blend of return, debut, ambition.
Lewis-Skelly returns meaning. Zubimendi debuts control. Gyökeres, a spark of spectacle. The story unfolds fast.
Can Arsenal claim the points? Obviously.
Because in wars of urgency and hope, it’s the brave who shape the tale.