The bare facts suggest Arsenal have made a solid start to the season, as this was their first league defeat, and they lie in third place, only three points behind Saturday night’s leaders, Manchester City.
However, if you look closer, there are indications that manager Mikel Arteta will be concerned about because the Gunners are still lacking the fluidity and vigour that allowed them to lead the title race for so long last season before Manchester City pulled them in.
And there are questions surrounding two of Arteta’s summer signings, goalkeepers David Raya and Kai Havertz.
They were both involved here, Raya with his flailing and failed attempt to claim Joe Willock’s cross before Gordon scored and Havertz with the foul on Longstaff that sparked a flare-up between the teams.
Raya has yet to prove he is an upgrade on the dropped Aaron Ramsdale, while Havertz, whose style is naturally languid, cruised through this stormy game to little or no effect.
Even though Arsenal is still in a good position, these past few days have been particularly difficult for them, what with the Carabao Cup defeat at West Ham on Wednesday and this defeat at St. James’ Park today.
