Arsenal set sights on a Top Four Finish in the 2022/23 EPL Season
Looking ahead to Arsenal’s opener
It has become habitual for the Arsenal who will be in a London Derby for the third season in a row on their opening fixture. Arsenal opens their campaign on August 7, 2022, in a plucky away fixture to Crystal Palace. If they are to get off to a flyer the return of loanee William Saliba who has been outstanding in preseason will have to play his socks off.
Arsenal will be playing their 30th English Premier League opener with a record of 16 wins 6 draws and 8 losses. One of the 8 opening day losses came under Arteta’s regime. However, the last time Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on opening day Arteta started on the bench for Arsene Wenger.
Crystal Palace took four points from his former club last season. Patrick Vieira and his charge outclassed Arsenal 3-0 at Selhurst Park before eking out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
Despite losing last season’s standout loanee player Conor Gallagher back to Chelsea, the Eagles managed 4 wins 2 draws and 2 losses from their eight preseason games. Central midfielder Doucoure and right winger Malcolm Ebiowei are ready to make their mark in the English capital, after an impressive preseason for Vieira’s side.
Kicking off the season at Selhurst Park is just like a gift from Santa Claus in August for Palace, who went unbeaten in their last six home games last season and remarkably managed to keep clean sheets in each of their last five – no mean feat with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all featuring in that list.
Arsenal has never won the Premier League after losing their opening game. Therefore, for Arteta to have a shot at the title he needs at least these first three points under his belt. Irrespective of Arsenal’s start or finish all eyes will be on Jesus. it is hard to shake the sense that their hopes for the season will wax and wane with their new striker.
Arsenal's Flawless Preseason Tour. light. More
At their best in recent months Arsenal have felt like a team who are just a top-tier forward away from being something special. If the Brazilian is that missing piece, then this could be quite the year in north London.