There had been understandable concern over Saka’s fitness after his Achilles issue and a frustrating summer on the international stage. His response could hardly have been better.
“Treinei bastante para estar pronto para o início da temporada e ajudar o time da forma como sei que posso,” Saka said. The important part for Arsenal is not only that he was available, but that he looked decisive again - aggressive in possession, sharp in movement and central to the team’s attacking flow.
For a side that sometimes searched for fluency last season, that matters.
If Saka brings thrust, Odegaard brings order. He scored again, having also found the net against City, and his influence seems to be growing rather than fading.
Saka’s praise was telling: “Martin está jogando muito bem. Na semana passada, contra o City, ele foi muito bem e marcou, e fez o mesmo novamente.” When Odegaard is dictating play between the lines, Arsenal look faster, calmer and more dangerous.
There is also a broader theme here: Arsenal appear more connected in the final third. Havertz gives them presence, Saka gives them incision, and Odegaard ties it all together. Other reports have already pointed to a rejuvenated attack, and this performance backed that up.
The season will not be judged in August, and tougher tests are coming. But if Arsenal keep this front-foot energy and keep their key creators fit, the next storyline may not be whether they can defend the title - it may be who can stop them.