Were it not for the team's resilient defence, marshalled by centre-back Saliba, boss Mikel Arteta may have experienced defeat in matchweek one. The defender has been linked to Real Madrid, and Marca claim that Arsenal immediately rejected a proposed swap deal involving winger Rodrygo heading to the Emirates in exchange for the Frenchman.

Ever since Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid from PSG last summer, the club's depth chart has shuffled significantly, with Rodrygo suddenly on the fringes of the attacking ranks.