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One day before the transfer window closes, an Arsenal side in need of signings welcomed a winless Sheffield United to the Emirates.
From the first minute, the game had all the signs of being a tightly-contested affair. The two teams lined up with back-fives and seemingly cancelled each other out for the opening 45 minutes.
However, the game finally burst into life during a 3-minute period in the second half. It began with a slick move from Arsenal as a few one-two combos resulted in Hector Bellerin setting up Bukayo Saka for a header at the back post in the 61st minute. Three minutes later, Arsenal added a quickfire second through a calm Nicolas Pepe side-foot finish following a bursting run.
The Blades needed till the 80th minute to turn up when David McGoldrick curled a beauty beyond Bernd Leno. With no more goals in the game, Arsenal hung on for three precious points. On that note, here are the five talking points from Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
#5 Mohamed Elneny starts for Arsenal
Don’t call it a comeback, but Mohamed Elneny has risen from the ashes to become one of Arteta’s most trusted men.
The Egyptian has started three of Arsenal’s four league games so far, including a daunting trip to Anfield. Against Sheffield, he started in Arsenal’s midfield at the expense of the seemingly undroppable Granit Xhaka.
The 28-year-old put in an assured and tidy performance, producing an impressive 96% pass accuracy, winning two duels and making three clearances while not allowing himself to be dribbled past once.
#4 Gabriel Magalhaes is proving to be Arsenal's signing of the season
Arsenal fans across the world are worried about the club’s seemingly failing pursuits of Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey. But that shouldn’t take away from the transfer business they’ve already done this season.
The signing of Gabriel Magalhaes has been significant in several ways for the Gunners as not only did they beat several teams to his signature, but he was also their first-choice target for the position.
And the Brazilian has not disappointed in his performances for Arsenal. Against Sheffield, the 22-year-old was a rock at the back, clearing and winning everything in his path. In a game where he was under much aerial pressure, Gabriel won six aerial duels, intercepted two passes and maintained a 90% pass accuracy.
#3 Blunt Blades were no match for Arsenal
Unfortunately for Chris Wilder, his players failed to kickstart their season.
It’s now seven consecutive defeats in the league for Sheffield United, the worst run of games in Wilder's stint at the club. It’s clear where the problems lie for Wilder: his team lack creativity and any kind of final-third threat.
Against Arsenal, the Blades attempted most of their shots in the last 20 minutes of the game when Arsenal decided to sit back. David McGoldrick’s stunner in the 80th minute was their first goal of the season, despite this being Sheffield's fourth game.
The signing of Rhian Brewster is a clear statement of intent for Sheffield as they seem to know the areas they need to improve in the future.
#2 Eddie Nketiah starts ahead of Alexandre Lacazette
Despite scoring three goals in his last three league games, Alexandre Lacazette was forced to settle for the bench against Sheffield.
Instead, Mikel Arteta decided to give a rare Premier League start to Eddie Nketiah, which may have been a tactical change or just squad management.
Regardless, fans were left scratching their heads as the youngster’s performance didn’t do much to convince the Arsenal faithful.
The 21-year-old could only muster one shot on goal while completing nine passes and winning three duels. In fairness to him, he wasn’t provided with much service, though.
#1 Bukayo Saka shines for Arsenal
In the same week he got his first call-up to the England camp, Bukayo Saka capped off a fantastic six days with a Man of the Match performance.
When Arsenal needed a spark the most, the youngster stepped up to the plate with the goods. Playing on the left in a hybrid position that saw him line up as an LWB off the ball and attack as an LCM, the 19-year-old showed great versatility and discipline to be effective in all phases of the game.
The player impressively completed 27 passes and two dribbles. He won eight duels and scored the all-important opening goal for Arsenal as well. Under Arteta, Bukayo Saka will only continue to improve.
