Can Arsenal’s season reboot on Saturday?

As Gooners, can we accept a reboot of Arsenal’s 2021/2022 season? Should we look past the first three Premier League matches, or ignore our current standing in the league table? Are we brave enough to put those aside and look only forward? I’m trying, but I’m not there yet.

Saturday’s match v Norwich City in Emirates Stadium has become a huge match for AFC. When the schedule was first released in June, I thought, oh Norwich City, that’s an easy three points. However, things have changed, and now I fear Norwich City because a defeat, or even a draw, to the Canaries would spell continued doom and gloom for our club, and probably the beginning of the end for Mikel Arteta.

The manager will have most of his main players available for selection. With nine players coming back from international duty, including newcomer Takehiro Tomiyasu, the boss will have to decide who’s the best XI to go with v Norwich City. Emile Smith Rowe looks to miss out due to illness, Mo Elneny is questionable following an injury with the Egyptian national team, and Granit Xhaka is suspended. However, everyone else is either fully fit, or nearly fit for Saturday.

This match can not be a repeat performance of the first three leagues games this season. Arsenal was out-played and out-managed in all three matches. These performances were unacceptable and are the reason we are in 20th place, with no points and no goals. Only a 6-0 win over second and third string West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup has given us anything to cheer about so far this season.

So, can Arsenal’s season reboot on Saturday? With a convincing win, yes, but with anything else, no. This is a defining game for the players and the coaches, and I’m afraid a poor performance will bring out the worst in the Gooner faithful on Saturday.

If there was ever a time for a reboot, Saturday will be that time.

Gunner1953