Arsenal vs Norwich: 4 things we’d like to see from Arteta’s side

4. Player Partnerships & Combinations Developing

After it was confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu secured his work permit in time to be able to feature in this game, Arteta has the chance to use any number of his six additions from the summer.

Saturday could come too soon for Tomiyasu though, Nuno Tavares might only be a late substitute and Aaron Ramsdale may have to bide his time for his Premier League debut for the club, but all the tools are at his disposal.

While there are still absences and many of the new arrivals as well as those just returning from injury won’t be at key sharpness, this is now the closest we’ll have come to seeing Arteta’s team.

And it’s one that will grow in collective ability over time through the strengths of its partnerships. Most notable is Ben White and Gabriel in the heart of defence, who it’s impossible argue aren’t the best two centre-backs at the club. Their bond can only grow through minutes and considering both are 23 years old, it’s hoped this will be the first choice centre-back pairing for years to come.

How they work in tandem and accentuate each others’ strengths while helping nullify certain weakness will be key to watch unfold. It won’t be perfect. Not from the off, for sure.

In midfield everyone is itching to see Sambi and Partey combine, with the mere thought of additional mobility and dynamism in that area of the pitch an unfathomable concept with Xhaka in the team. Injuries and suspensions mean the two can get a solid run of minutes together in the coming weeks. Can they keep their pairing going even further?

And how will Odegaard and Aubameyang combine? As one of the few players in the squad who can play those through balls into the spaces behind that the captain thrives off, the Norwegian has a task on his hands.

It would be a huge surprise to suddenly see everything click on Saturday in regards to new on-field relationships and player combinations, but signs of progress (and enough to secure a win) will be worth looking out for.