As the new English football season opens this weekend, it is hard not to feel it is breathlessly tailgating the old one. Arsenal played Liverpool in July. They will do so on the last Saturday in August. The clubs will meet again in September. If either club’s deficiencies are made plain by all this repeated exposure to one another, they will still have a chance to make amends in a transfer window that only closes in October.
The disjointed calendar will take some adjusting to. Physical weariness will be felt hard at stages of 2020/21.
Crowds, it is hoped, will at some point be back to motivate tiring players, although Saturday's curtain-raiser, the Community Shield must, under continuing coronavirus protocols, be played without supporters at Wembley. Arsenal, contesting the Community Shield as winners of the FA Cup, have shown they can master those conditions, having come from behind in their 2-1 cup final victory over Chelsea without the helpful roar of fans.
An empty stadium, television viewers have learnt, has some upsides. One of benefits of elite football played in relative silence, is that you can hear more clearly the instructions, and the general input, that comes from the coaches on the touchline. They lose some of their mystique.
When Mikel Arteta took over as Arsenal manager last December, there was plenty of mystery around him as a manager: He was, after all, embarking on his first job as a senior head coach. After the March to June shutdown, when Premier League football was halted - initially because Arteta’s positive test for coronavirus alerted the sport to the seriousness of the contagion - he revealed more of himself. Arteta, with his set, slightly stern features, can seem unexpressive. It is a false impression. He is animated, genial, and authoritative in his technical area.
Those qualities are already appreciated at a club that had stumbled through a period of unsettled managerial change for which Arsenal were singularly unprepared. The same man, Arsene Wenger had overseen several layers of club business for 22 years. Then three different coaches held the job within a season. One, Unai Emery, struggled to be as expressive as he would have liked in his flawed spoken English; the next, Freddie Ljungberg, was a caretaker, a difficult role from which to impose authority or develop long-term plans.
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Arsenal 2019/20 player ratings
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ARSENAL 2019/20 RATINGS: MANAGERS: Unai Emery – 3. After 18 months, the Spaniard was sacked at the end of November following a run of seven games without victory and with Arsenal eight points off the top four. His appointment brought optimism following the gradual decline under Arsene Wenger but Emery ultimately proved an ill fit. Reuters -
Mikel Arteta – 8. Despite finishing 10 points off the Premier League top four, Arsenal now appear to be trending in the right direction under the former captain’s guidance. Then, of course, there’s the FA Cup win. A trophy in your first season as a manager is fine going. EPA -
GOALKEEPERS: Bernd Leno – 6. Only eight clean sheets in 30 Premier League appearances, although much of that can be attributed to the defence in front of him. Prior to his season-ending injury, had a decent season and is assured of his place when fit. Reuters -
Emiliano Martínez – 7. Has done well since stepping in for Leno in the league and has had the gloves throughout Arsenal’s march to the FA Cup. A reliable No 2. AP -
DEFENDERS: Sokratis – 4. The Greek veteran has barely featured since Arteta arrived and contributed to the regular defensive shambles under Emery. Unlikely to be an Arsenal player next season. Reuters -
Calum Chambers – 7. Desperately unlucky season for Chambers, who returned after a Player of the Season loan spell at relegated Fulham. Arguably Arsenal’s standout defender before injury struck at the start of the year. Shutterstock -
Shkodran Mustafi – 5. After being largely ignored by Emery, the German has had some game time under Arteta and has actually put in a few decent performances. Still an accident waiting to happen, though. Reuters -
David Luiz – 6. Almost a typical Luiz campaign, ranging from world class to schoolboy. Problem is, it’s been more of the latter this season. Put in a good performance in the FA Cup final. PA -
Rob Holding – 6. Enjoyed a late run in the first team and played 90 minutes of the FA Cup final. Will hope he has done enough to convince Arteta of his worth ahead of next season. PA -
Pablo Mari – 4. Has made just three appearances in all competitions, since joining on loan in January, due to an ankle injury. Apparently, that’s enough to earn a permanent move. Go figure. Reuters -
Kieran Tierney – 8. The Scottish full-back had rotten luck with injuries this season, but the difference he makes when he plays is clear. A quality operator down the left flank, the early signs are promising. AP Photo -
Sead Kolasinac – 6. For a player with cult status, it was a mediocre season for the Bosnian. Gets an extra point for squaring up to armed carjackers last summer. Getty Images -
Hector Bellerin – 7. Another Arsenal defender to endure an injury-hit campaign, but after the Spaniard returned to the team, the Gunners looked stronger. His brilliant run started the move that led to the FA Cup final winner. PA -
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7. Adapted well to being played out of position, covering for the injured Bellerin at right-back. Was a constant threat in the FA Cup final when moved to left wing-back (another unfamiliar position). His versatility proved very useful but will want more game time in midfield next season. EPA -
Cedric Soares – 4. Like fellow January loanee Mari, injury has limited the full-back’s game-time. Also like Mari, has earned a permanent contract. PA -
MIDFIELDERS: Lucas Torreira – 6. One of Arsenal’s best players in his debut season last year. Has experienced a more subdued season this time round having lost his place in central midfield to Dani Ceballos. Reuters -
Granit Xhaka – 7. It was an eventful season for the Swiss midfielder. He looked destined for the exit after the episode with the fans during the Crystal Palace game and was stripped of the captaincy. Bounced back well to prove his worth to Arsenal. EPA -
Matteo Guendouzi – 5. Billed as the player Arsenal would build their next team around, instead the French midfielder looks set for the exit after being frozen out by Arteta following his behaviour against Brighton. Reuters -
Dani Ceballos – 8. It took some adjustment and there was the injury that sidelined him for 11 games, but the Spaniard emerged as Arsenal’s best midfielder. A player of genuine quality, Arteta should do all he can to tie down the Real Madrid player for another season. EPA -
Joe Willock – 6. A mainstay in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign, the 20-year-old midfielder was mainly used off the bench in the Premier League. Looks a bright prospect. PA -
Mesut Ozil – 2. One goal, three assists, 22 starts in all competitions, involved in just five Premier League wins. Has not kicked a ball since the restart. These are hardly the stats befitting of the club’s highest-paid player. Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta has left Ozil behind, so where do club and player go from here? PA -
FORWARDS: Gabriel Martinelli – 8. Arsenal’s breakthrough player of the season, the 19-year-old Brazilian scored 10 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. A knee injury cut his campaign short but Martinelli looks every inch Arsenal’s next big star. Reuters -
Bukayo Saka – 8. Four goals and 11 assists from the 18-year-old Academy graduate marks a very impressive first full season in the senior squad. Saka looks set to be an important part of Arsenal’s future. Reuters -
Nicolas Pepe – 6. Given the club record fee and excitement that surrounded his arrival, the Ivorian winger’s debut season was mediocre at best. Eight goals and 10 assists across 42 games in all competitions is an ordinary return for a player of his undoubted talent. After a year to settle, should find another level next season. Getty Images -
Reiss Nelson – 6. Restricted to 11 starts in all competitions and struggled to make much of an impact, contributing three goals and three assists in 24 total appearances. A talented player and at just 20 years old, has a bright future ahead. EPA -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 10. This rating was a 9 prior to the FA Cup final before he scored both goals at Wembley to lead Arsenal to victory. Another superb season for the Gabonese star with 29 goals in 44 appearances. His contract expires next summer and the general consensus among Arsenal fans is ‘give him whatever he wants’, which seems fair enough. EPA -
Alexandre Lacazette – 7. A decent enough season for the French striker with 12 goals and seven assists over 39 appearances but there is a lingering sense that he should be producing more. EPA -
Eddie Nketiah – 6. Recalled from his loan spell at Leeds at the end of January, Nketiah chipped in with six goals in 19 games. Another from Arsenal’s Academy that looks set for a bright future. AP Photo
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Arteta arrived with a clarity of purpose, knowing the terrain from his days as an Arsenal midfielder, under Wenger, and knowing the Premier League intimately from his work as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His Arsenal were not suddenly made tougher or more consistent, but aspects of their end-of-season run felt encouraging.
“Those were the moments where the team clicked a little bit,” Arteta reflected. In the last five games, he said, there had been “more belief.” Liverpool, by then confirmed as Premier League champions, were beaten 2-1, Manchester City 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final, and Chelsea 2-1 in the final. A home defeat to Aston Villa seemed to have set back their chance of qualifying for Europe, but the FA Cup success means Arsenal will enter the Europa League at the group phase.
That will make Arsenal's midweeks busy, testing the depth of the squad. Significant strengthening is under way. Willian, who could make his official debut on Saturday, has joined from Chelsea, and may be designated a midfield role, pending the further midfield addition Arteta wants before the transfer window closes. The centre of defence has been bolstered, with the 22-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes on the verge of signing from Lille and William Saliba, recruited last summer but then loaned back to the selling club, Saint Etienne, now available.
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Liverpool 2019/20 player ratings
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LIVERPOOL 2019/20 RATINGS: Jurgen Klopp - 9 out of 10: The likeable German deserves huge credit for overseeing the best start to any season by any team and delivered a first league title to Anfield in 30 years. Late goals were a feature of this Reds team often inspired by the manager's substitutions. PA -
GOALKEEPERS: Alisson - 8: A campaign disrupted by injury but the Brazilian kept 10 clean sheets in 20 matches before the coronavirus-enforced shutdown, and another two since the restart. Continues to enhance his reputation as one of the world's best. Getty -
Adrian - 6: The Spaniard endeared himself to the Anfield faithful by saving Tammy Abraham's penalty for Liverpool to lift the Uefa Super Cup in August. Had been a capable deputy for Alisson when called upon before his costly mistake contributed to Liverpool's Champions League last-16 exit to Atletico Madrid in March. Getty -
Caoimhin Kelleher - 6: Young Irishman impressed in the cup competitions, making four appearances pre-lockdown. AFP -
DEFENDERS: Virgil van Dijk - 9: Leads the league in passes to highlight his importance to Liverpool's attacking game but it's Van Dijk's defending that marks him out as a colossus. Few can lay claim to being the undisputed best in their position but there is no better central defender in world football than the Dutchman. EPA -
Dejan Lovren - 6: The Croatian has slipped further down the centre-back pecking order with the emergence of Joe Gomez this season. Getty -
Joe Gomez - 8: Powerful Englishman stepped up to the plate when Joel Matip suffered an injury early in the season. His performances earned him an England call up and it's no exaggeration to say he would have probably gone to this year's European Championship as one of Gareth Southgate's first-choice centre-backs. A big future ahead. Reuters -
Andy Robertson - 8: One of the most accomplished left-backs in world football. An excellent defender who provides attacking impetus down the left-hand flank. Seven assists before lockdown and a crucial late goal in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa in November symbolic of team's never-say-die attitude. Getty -
Joel Matip - 7: Injury and the form of Joe Gomez have limited the Cameroonian to only a handful of appearances. An underrated passer and still one of the club's most astute signings. Reuters -
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9: Already broken his own assists record for a defender with 16 pre-lockdown. Superb passer and his quality at set-pieces - as seen with his sublime goal in the win against Crystal Palace - is one of Liverpool's most potent weapons. Reuters -
Sepp van den Berg - 5: Dutch defender, 18, is highly thought of at Anfield and impressed during the young side's League Cup run. Getty -
Nathaniel Phillips - 5: The 23-year-old made one FA Cup appearances before being loaned to German club Stuttgart. AFP -
Ki-Jana Hoever - 6: Stylish Dutch defender, 18, became the club's fourth youngest goalscorer when he netted in the League Cup win over MK Dons on September 25, 2019. Getty -
Neco Williams - 5: Faces a tall order trying to dislodge Alexander-Arnold as first choice, but showed neat footwork and comfort on the ball as a replacement in the recent win over Crystal Palace to suggest a bright future. EPA -
Nathaniel Clyne - NA: Once described as a 'machine' by Klopp, the right-back is yet to feature for the Reds this season and is sure to leave in the summer. Reuters -
Curtis Jones - 7: Became Liverpool's youngest ever captain – at 19 years and 5 days – when he captained Liverpool's youngest ever first team side with an average age of 19 years and 102 days to a 1–0 victory over Shrewsbury in the FA Cup replay at Anfield. AP -
MIDFIELDERS: Fabinho - 8: The Brazilian's defensive qualities help make the Liverpool machine work. Showed his development as an all-round player with a delightful chip and a scorching drive in the demolition of Palace. Hard to think Naby Keita was the more celebrated arrival at Anfield two years ago. Reuters -
Georginio Wijnaldum - 7: Another productive campaign from the Dutch international is set to be rewarded with a new contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2024. EPA -
James Milner - 7: Few are more dependable than the versatile Englishman. Used mainly from the bench this season but his energy and experience always add something to the team. Getty -
Naby Keita - 5: The Guinea international has failed to hold down a regular starting place in almost two years at Anfield. Rumours that he will be used as part of a makeweight to bring Alessio Romagnoli to the club from AC Milan in the summer. Getty -
Jordan Henderson - 8: No doubt the Liverpool captain is one of the finest midfielders around now. His drive, passing range and leadership make him one of the most important cogs in Klopp's team. PA -
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 7: Emerged from serious injury that wiped out his 2018/19 season with some commanding performances for a demanding manager. Getty -
Adam Lallana - 6: Klopp confirmed the former Southampton winger will leave the club at the end of the season. Mostly cameo appearances were highlighted by a last-gasp equaliser against Manchester United in October to maintain the club's unbeaten start. Getty Images -
Xherdan Shaqiri - 6: Hard to accommodate the Swiss' talents in a team brimming with it in the forward positions. PA -
Harvey Elliott - 6: Highly-skilled winger became the youngest player to start a match at Anfield, at the age of 16 years and 209 days, in the epic 5-5 League Cup draw against Arsenal having already become the club's youngest first-team player in the previous round against MK Dons. Reuters -
FORWARDS: Roberto Firmino - 7: The Brazilian striker's goals return may be down - he is still yet to score at Anfield this term - but his import to Liverpool's attack is not. He still makes the front three work and still the hardest working No 9 in the league. Getty -
Sadio Mane - 9: Fourteen league goals before lockdown and 19 in all competitions after a superb finish against Palace. The Senegalese has overtaken Mohamed Salah as Liverpool's best striker. Has been simply unplayable at times. Getty -
Mohamed Salah - 9: Twenty goals across competitions pre-lockdown represents another impressive return from the Egyptian. His pace and skill are still a nightmare for opposition defences to counter. Even turned provider for his mate Mane in the demolition of Crystal Palace. Getty -
Divock Origi - 6: Scored two goals as Liverpool beat Everton 5–2 in the December's Merseyside derby at Anfield to extend their unbeaten run in league football to 32 matches, which was a club record. Getty -
Takumi Minamino - 5: Anyone would struggle to get in an attacking lineup boasting Firmino, Mane and Salah. The Japanese has been limited mostly to cup matches. Getty -
PLAYERS ON LOAN: Loris Karius - 6: German cut short his two-year loan spell early at Turkish club Besiktas in April after his manager questioned his motivation following a string of poor performances. Has a deal until 2022 at Liverpool and may be retained as Alisson's understudy if Adrian is jettisoned. Getty -
Harry Wilson - 7: The young midfielder has been one of the few shining lights in a struggling Bournemouth team. EPA -
Marko Grujic - 7: Serb has spent the past two seasons at Hertha Berlin and seems his future lies away from Anfield. AFP -
Sheyi Ojo - 5: Winger began his loan spell at Scottish side Rangers under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in impressive fashion but petered out before the Scottish league season was called off due to the Covid-19 crisis. Reuters -
Ben Woodburn - 5: Midfielder has spent the season on loan at League One Oxford United. EPA -
Rhian Brewster - 7: Striker, 20, made three first-team appearances for Liverpool before being loaned to Swansea in the second tier in January. Has scored six goals in 12 appearances and will hope to feature more prominently under Klopp in the future. Getty
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That pair, and David Luiz, can expect some detailed training work with another newcomer, Andreas Georgson, who is a specialist set-piece coach poached from Brentford. Arteta inherited some systemic problems when he joined Arsenal, and defending dead balls was one. Last season they had the second-poorest record in the Premier League for goals conceded from set-pieces (22). They need not look too far to see the standards to aspire to: Liverpool’s stroll to the title owed much to the 22 goals they scored from dead-ball situations.
Arteta seems upbeat ahead of Saturday, his mood brightened by what he described as "some really good talks" with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal's leading scorer for the past two seasons, over a new contract. The striker's current deal expires next summer, he has cachet across Europe, but, his manager believes, he is ready to commit to Arsenal.
“I am confident we are going to find an agreement soon,” said Arteta, “and I think he should be very happy to stay at the club a long time.”
