Matchday Preview: The time for optimism is now

It seems like a century ago that the 2021 Premier League season started for Arsenal. It resulted in three consecutive losses and an utter meltdown on social media from Arsenal fans. As the International break came and went, the fire has dimmed, and the Gunners took advantage of it. Many players are returning from critical injuries or COVID-19, and Arsenal signed a right-back for the remainder of the season. Since the transfer window closed and the International break started, Arsenal has reiterated in several ways that technical director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta are fit for the club's plans, despite a dismal showing to start the season.

Now they go up against Norwich City, a newly promoted side that has struggled to find their rhythm to start the season. It is the perfect kind of matchup for Arsenal to regain some momentum and gain three points, but they can't be reckless. Norwich is a talented side, and unlike recent years, they have a threat to score. Arteta finally gets a new right-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu joining from Bologna; he could be expected to start since Arteta has already said that Tomiyasu is fit from playing matches in Italy already this season. The key question is, how will Arteta lineup the Gunners? Will he go with the classic 4-3-3 he has used, or will he be daring to experiment with a 3-4-3. It'll be challenging to say because these are not the kind of matches you want to over-experiment with. Nevertheless, Arsenal needs the three points and playing at the Emirates; those three points are crucial.

Here is my match day lineup that Arteta will go with:

GK-Leno

RB-Tomiyasu

CB-Ben White

CB-Gabriel

LB-Kieran Tierney

CM-Albert Sambi Lokonga

CM-Thomas Partey

CAM- Martin Ødegaard

RM- Bukayo Saka

ST-Aubameyang

LM-Emile Smith Rowe

With Granit Xhaka being suspended, Lokonga will certainly start alongside Partey. However, Arsenal is coming into this match at full strength, so there will be no excuse for a poor performance again.

My Prediction:

2-0 Arsenal

Arsenal being at home is a key factor. The fans will boost the morale of these players today if they feel nervous. Ben White, Gabriel, and Partey, all returning from injury or COVID-19, provide the proper Arteta additions to the lineup. This is the time for Arsenal to bounce back, and if they do, they could start on a solid run before playing Tottenham at the end of the month.