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It’s been a while since we’ve had to endure the monotony of an international break, but get used to it folks, because more are heading our way in October and November.
Yay.
Nevertheless, it was a busy period for many of Arsenal’s stars as 16 players represented their respective nations in September. The conclusion of Tuesday’s matches means our eyes are now firmly on Sunday’s trip to Everton, but before we get into previewing that contest, let’s review how our Gunners performed on international duty.
3 winners & losers from the September international break
Here are three Arsenal winners and losers from the September international break.
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Winner #1 – Takehiro Tomiyasu
Despite Jurrien Timber’s injury, Tomiyasu has again played a mere bit-part role for Arsenal this season. However, after impressing off the bench versus Man Utd, the Japanese international enjoyed one hell of a break that undoubtedly would’ve caught the eye of the boss.
While he only played 11 minutes of Japan’s 4-2 win over Turkey, he was the standout performer as his nation secured a memorable 4-1 triumph over Germany in Wolfsburg. Deployed as a left-sided centre-back in a back four, Tomiyasu produced a masterclass. Robust, progressive, and assured, the Arsenal man was a thorn in Die Mannschaft’s attacking efforts.
It was a display that highlighted his versatility and showed just how valuable he remains for the Gunners.
Losers #1 – All of the goalkeepers
This wasn’t a great break for Arsenal’s trio of goalkeepers. While Aaron Ramsdale earned his first England start in over a year against Scotland, Harry Maguire’s boot meant he wasn’t able to keep a clean sheet.
For Rambo, it’s unlikely that he’ll be England’s number one at Euro 2024 presuming Jordan Pickford remains fit.
David Raya, meanwhile, wasn’t used at all by Spain and poor Karl Hein conceded just the ten goals as Estonia were trounced by Sweden and Belgium. Leandro Trossard was on target for the Red Devils.
Continued on the next slide…
Winner #2 – Gabriel
Despite enjoying a stellar 2022/23 campaign, Gabriel wasn’t considered by former Brazil manager Tite and, as a result, stayed at home for the 2022 Qatari World Cup.
Things have changed for the better, though, with Fernando Diniz now at the helm as caretaker boss. Diniz put things right and gave Gabriel his first Brazil call-up before the left-footed defender earned his first two caps for his country.
The Gooner started both of Brazil’s games in September, fighting off a knock to keep a clean sheet in the Selecao’s 1-0 win over Peru. Gabriel was excellent on Tuesday night, and he could finally emerge as a mainstay in Brazil’s backline ahead of next summer’s Copa America.
Loser #2 – William Saliba
On the contrary, Saliba has some work to do if he’s to win over Didier Deschamps.
France’s centre-back talent pool is just obscene, and while many of us would argue that Saliba is currently the best France has to offer despite his youth, Deschamps doesn’t quite see it that way. He’s certainly not first-choice as it stands, and he didn’t do much to enhance his chances as he was included in the starting XI which was beaten 2-1 by Germany on Tuesday night.
Saliba produced a fine display in Dortmund, but, for now, it looks as if he’ll be watching from the sidelines at Euro 2024 next summer.
Continued on the next slide…
Winner #3 – Martin Odegaard
This was a big break for Norway, who had just one Euro 2024 qualifier after their 7-0 thrashing of Jordan.
Skipper Odegaard started both games and produced the goods when his country needed it most against Georgia. The sultry playmaker crashed home an impressive second for Norway on Tuesday as his country secured an imperative 2-1 win over Georgia to keep their chances of qualifying alive.
They’ve still got plenty of work to do, however, as they’ll likely have to beat Spain and Norway in two of their three remaining games.
Loser #3 – Eddie Nketiah
This was undoubtedly a special week for Nketiah, who earned his first England call-up off the back of a bright start to the season.
And while he wasn’t expected to start either contest, it was a massive shame that he didn’t see the field at all. Many Gooners expected Eddie to earn his first cap against Scotland on Tuesday, but it was Callum Wilson who instead got the nod as Gareth Southgate rang the changes in the second half.
Let’s hope more international chances come Nketiah’s way because there’s no guarantee that he’ll be starting regularly for the Gunners with Gabriel Jesus returning to the fold.