Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was happy to get the first win on the board after what turned out to be a tricky game.
“Yeah, really happy to win. Three points, a clean sheet, against a really tough opponent and a really tough place,” he told reporters after the game.
“We showed great resilience to overcome them, and it’s really positive how we started.
“We started off very lively, very mobile, really determined to play the way we wanted. Overall, positive.”
Arsenal’s squad had come under intense scrutiny with the season opener the same week as the release of the ‘All or Nothing’ Amazon docuseries which documented the team’s previous campaign.
But the visitors didn’t look phased as the host of young stars started the game in brilliant form.
New recruits impress
New signing Gabriel Jesus looked electric at times and gave Arsenal extra intensity in the final third, while 21-year-old defender William Saliba was impressive in his first league appearance for the Gunners. Saliba has already spent time away from the club on loan.
There were also debuts for Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, who moved to the Emirates after leaving Manchester City.
The defender gave his new team a little more composure and was on hand to provide the assist for Martinelli’s header after a well-worked corner.
While Arsenal’s performances seemed a little spotty at times in the second half, it’s been a positive start to the campaign that comes with a lot of expectations.
Fans will demand a top-four spot after what looks to be a solid transfer window and an impressive pre-season.
League games have started a week earlier than usual this year due to the Men’s World Cup taking place midway through the season and fans will be delighted with a full slate of fixtures this weekend .
