Arsenal: 4 talking points from 1-0 Tottenham defeat

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the pre-season friendly football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on August 8, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

2 of 4

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal speaks with Kieran Tierney, Pablo Mari and Ben White of Arsenal during the Pre-season friendly between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 08, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Pablo Mari Struggles With High Line

Now it’s unfair to state that Pablo Mari is incapable of playing in a high press system with a higher line since it’s only really been two games in which he’s tried to manage with the approach, but having seen him falter against Chelsea and once again against Spurs, there are a few alarm bells.

Gabriel was one half of a transfer move to facilitate this switch, with White the other. With the Brazilian out injured the next in line is his teammate who does not appear capable of meeting the requirements of the role.

This isn’t time to suddenly berate Mari and forget all of the positive displays he’s had. No revisionism. He was long being selected ahead of Gabriel by both Arteta and supporters last term.

What can be deduced from the previous two matches is his lack of pace or inability to maneuver his body quickly will be a concern as Arsenal adopt this approach throughout the season.

He isn’t as capable of shifting side to side with great agility and against the pace of players such as Son, and Callum Hudson-Odoi last time out, his limitations and deficiencies are laid bare.

Gabriel returning is going to be most welcome.

Home/Arsenal News