3 key factors in Arsenal’s superb start to the 2022/23 season

Defeat at Old Trafford on Matchday 6 abruptly ended Arsenal’s perfect start to the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Gunners had won their opening five games of the new campaign and they still sit on top of the table despite Manchester United’s 3-1 victory.

Their current start pales in comparison to a year ago when Mikel Arteta appeared to be on the brink for the umpteenth time after overseeing three straight defeats to begin 2021/22. Although, Arsenal would quickly recover to eventually put themselves in an optimal position to return to the Champions League for the first time in six years.

I’ve suddenly forgotten how the season concluded. Silly me.

The last time we saw the Gunners in Europe’s premier club competition, they were beaten 5-1 at home to Bayern Munich to complete a 10-2 aggregate defeat in the round of 16. Those were the days, eh?

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s impressive start – which many supporters saw coming before the season got underway – has many believing that those magical (Bavarian thumpings aside) Champions League nights will soon return to the Emirates.

3 key factors in Arsenal’s superb start to the 2022/23 season

This is certainly the best Arsenal side we’ve seen since Arsene Wenger left town, and here are three key factors in their early success to start the 2022/23 season.

1. New signings have settled

Arsenal had a very busy start to the transfer window before their summer somewhat fizzled out. The club made five signings, three of which are yet to start a Premier League game, but the other two have hit the ground running – and some.

The arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City were met with much acclaim, and these two have played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s early success. Jesus is the obvious star, he’s single-handedly transformed a Gunners front line that was inhibited by the unathletic Alexandre Lacazette last season.

In stark contrast to his predecessor, Jesus is a relentless presser who easily interchanges with those in close proximity to baffle defences. He’s brilliant with his back to goal, and his ability to turn on a dime has caught out several defenders in seemingly innocuous situations.

The Brazilian has notched six goal contributions in six league games, but he’s already shown that he doesn’t have to score to have a major impact on proceedings. He makes the ball stick with aplomb, ensuring Arsenal progress upfield when, at times, they perhaps weren’t expected to.

Jesus has excelled in almost every regard, and while he’s had a profound effect in the opposition’s half, Zinchenko has significantly bolstered Arsenal’s build-up. Together, the pair have combined to bring a stronger mentality to the dressing room.

Zinchenko has already missed time through injury, but he started Arsenal’s opening three games and slotted in seamlessly to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. The function he performs isn’t too dissimilar to what Pep Guardiola had him doing up in Manchester. It’s a unique role, but one Zinchenko blossoms in.

No player has attempted (65.3) or completed (57.5) more passes per 90 minutes than the Ukrainian this season, and his 88.1% pass completion depicts just how secure he is with the ball. He’s Arsenal’s metronome who provides security and maturity to Arsenal’s possession play.

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