Opinion: Who Should Complete Arsenal’s Attacking Trident for Man United Clash?

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·13 de agosto de 2025

Opinion: Who Should Complete Arsenal’s Attacking Trident for Man United Clash?

English top-flight football returns on Friday, while Arsenal will kick off their campaign in a mouth watering clash against Manchester United on Sunday, August 17, away at Old Trafford. Against Athletic Club, fans caught a glimpse of a lineup that could end up as Mikel Arteta’s preferred eleven. However, question marks remain over a few positions, with the left-back role being a prime example. Due to several factors, the Spaniard was unable to find continuity during pre-season and it was not until the Bilbao game that he fielded his first choice midfield of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Perhaps the biggest conundrum Arteta faces ahead of United is deciding who will form the attacking trident with Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka.

Assessing the contenders for the left flank

Coming into the season, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard appear the obvious picks, especially as reports say the latter will make it back in time to feature against United. However, the arrival of Noni Madueke and his display against Athletic Club puts him firmly in contention for the left flank role. When Arsenal signed the former PSV man, many believed he would play second fiddle to Bukayo Saka. While that will be part of his role, his price tag does not suggest he was bought merely to sit on the bench.

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His pre-season appearances so far have all come on the left. After a short spell against Villarreal, the Barnet-born forward earned more minutes against Athletic Club. He impressed in that game and probably should have registered an assist, with Viktor Gyökeres going close to converting his pinpoint delivery. There was also a moment that highlighted his ability to combine when cutting inside, which will be encouraging for Arteta.

Noni Madueke (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Martinelli under pressure to deliver

Leandro Trossard could also begin the campaign as first choice on the left, provided he returns from injury and remains at the club. Transfer speculation continues to surround the player, but his creativity and overall threat make him a strong candidate to start. Even so, it is expected that Arteta will favour Gabriel Martinelli for now, despite the criticism the Brazilian has faced in recent weeks. Discontent among fans began towards the back end of last season, mainly due to inconsistency and underwhelming performances. While he is likely to start the season as first choice, serious competition means he must perform to retain his place.

For now, the fight for the left-wing position is between the trio of Martinelli, Trossard and Madueke. However, with the transfer window still open and Arsenal linked with players such as Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo, the picture could change quickly.

Fans will be encouraged by the strength in depth, but the question remains: which of the three should complete the attacking trident with Gyökeres and Saka?

Let us now what you think in the comments Gooners – who will make the difference against Manchester United?

Benjamin Kenneth

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