3 best Arsenal performers at the start of the international break

International breaks can be long and frustrating for Gunners fans in tune with club football. but sometimes it’s nice to see your players get the call-up to their respective international squads

It was good to see the three Gabis (Jesus, Martinelli, and Magalhães) earn call-ups to the Brazil squad, especially for centre-back Gabriel, who has been left out of the starting XI for three of Arsenal’s first four games of the new Premier League season.

The possibility of our players picking up knocks while away on international duty is always a concern but to see the passion the players have for their countries is forever refreshing.

3 best Arsenal performers at the start of the international break

Here are the three best Arsenal performers through week one of the international break.

1) Oleksandr Zinchenko

He certainly had the toughest opening opponent as Ukraine took on England and three other Arsenal players. Playing in front of a big Ukrainian crowd in Poland as his country is defending itself from a Russian invasion, Zinchenko certainly gave the supporters a lot to be happy about. Zinchenko was critical in the midfield in Ukraine’s 1-1 draw against the Three Lions.

His moment came in the first half. Arsenal’s inverted left-back found space in England’s penalty box, eluding his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, and receiving a pass before burying his first-time effort past Jordan Pickford to give Ukraine a 1-0 lead. Zinchenko celebrated with many of his countrymen living in Poland; for the moment it was euphoria.

England came back to tie the contest but a 1-1 draw against one of the world’s giants is a massive result for Ukraine in their bid to qualify for Euro 2024.

2) Gabriel

The Brazilian centre-back has barely featured for Arsenal this season as a starter. Still, it was an easy decision to slot him in versus Bolivia in Brazil’s opening qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. For the most part, he was strong, staunch, and wise with his decisions. Brazil cruised by Bolivia 5-1 and Gabriel was the highest-rated defender in the Brazilian backline.

However, the rating did come with a concern. The Arsenal defender was substituted in the 85th minute and was later seen applying ice to his right knee. Fortunately, news came out after that it was just a precaution and he may very well be expected to start in Brazil’s next match.

3) Bukayo Saka

Though it was a disappointing tie to Ukraine, England still lead their qualifying group and are still blessed with Bukayo Saka.

Fresh off his Ballon d’Or nomination, Saka was a menace on the right wing. He was actively making dangerous runs throughout the match. He almost gave England the lead in the second half with one of his vintage left-footed strikes. However, Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan put a few fingertips on the ball and it deflected off the crossbar.

While the Arsenal star wasn’t at his dominant best, he was a bright spark throughout a rather drab affair.