Adaptation Isn't Easy, Just Ask Liverpool and Arsenal

How many times did Viktor Gyokeres fix his slicked-back hair? This teasing question directed at the debuting Arsenal striker has become a hot topic on social media. This is because there were not many notable things to observe from him during the hour of play. Gyokeres is estimated to have touched his hair more often than the ball.

Gyokeres' poor debut raises questions. The top scorer in Europe over the past two seasons did not appear to be himself. Not only did he fail to score, but he also did not register a single shot. Feelings of nervousness and excessive excitement may have played a role. He was not only making his debut at Arsenal but also in the English Premier League.

Interestingly, it was not only Gyokeres who performed poorly in the opening week match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday (17/8/2025) WIB. All players in Arsenal's attacking line, from attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard to winger Bukayo Saka, played well below standard.

If one player is underperforming, it may simply be because it is not their "day." However, if all players perform poorly, there is almost certainly a more serious issue at hand. Two possibilities arise: either their playing system is problematic, or the opposing team is performing dominantly. Coincidentally, both factors equally affect "Si Meriam."

In addition to indeed struggling against the aggressiveness of the MU squad, the team coached by Mikel Arteta did not play as usual. Arsenal was too hasty when in possession of the ball, unable to control the game. They always wanted to counterattack as quickly as possible, but often ended up making wrong decisions.

The drastic decline of Odegaard and his teammates is reflected in the statistics. They suffered a complete defeat in the number of shots, 9-22, and had only 39 percent possession. In contrast, during the meeting at Old Trafford last March, Arsenal excelled in shot attempts with 17-10 and dominated with 68 percent possession.

However, statistics cannot fully illustrate Arteta's plan. The visiting team appeared less capable due to the different context. They did not play with their usual slow and often convoluted approach. "The Cannoneers" this time were more straightforward, relying on quick counter-attack transitions.

The problem lies in the execution. Arsenal's attackers are not accustomed to that approach. They have been trained to play patiently for years by the manager. Everything feels increasingly difficult because the experiment was conducted in the opening match, at Old Trafford, which has often been a "graveyard" for Arsenal.

"There were about seven to eight situations during open play when we attacked directly towards their goalkeeper. Then, we lost the ball, and it became like a basketball game. It is difficult if we make mistakes like that against a team that is very good at executing counter-attacks," said Arteta.

We failed to provide the ball that could exploit his abilities.

Arsenal's decision-making in transition situations was poor. Take Odegaard, for example, in the second half. With a through ball, the captain could have put Gyokeres one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, he instead passed to Saka, who was in an offside position.

So, what is Arteta experimenting for? There is a reason behind it. The manager aims to maximize the potential of Gyokeres, who is known for his reliability in transitions. Other players are asked to adapt to the new system. "We failed to provide the ball that could exploit his abilities," Arteta explained regarding Gyokeres' performance.

Arsenal is very fortunate. They were still able to bring home a 1-0 victory from Old Trafford despite performing far below expectations. Thanks to set pieces that once again broke the deadlock for "The Gunners." Nevertheless, they must quickly find a "click" with Arteta's new ideas if they wish to compete for the championship this season.

The defending champion team Liverpool also began their new season journey less smoothly. They nearly lost full points at home after initially leading 2-0 against Bournemouth. Mohamed Salah and his teammates conceded two consecutive goals in the second half due to a lack of discipline in defense.

The decision of coach Arne Slot is being questioned. He substituted two new wing backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, in the 60th minute. Following that substitution, Liverpool immediately conceded a pair of goals from Antoine Semenyo within a span of 15 minutes. The first goal even originated from the right side of Liverpool, which should have been guarded by Frimpong.

Slot explained that the decision was made out of necessity. Frimpong felt uncomfortable in the thigh area after sprinting for an hour of play. Meanwhile, Kerkez had already received a yellow card and still had to keep an eye on Semenyo. Semenyo was able to trouble Kerkez with his speed.

From the decision of Slot, it is evident that Frimpong is still trying to adapt to the high intensity of the English League. He is facing considerable difficulties as he has a significant role on both the offensive and defensive sides in a four-back system. At Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong was more assigned to assist the team's attack as a wing midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation.

Kerkez has experience in England with Bournemouth. However, his responsibilities are significantly greater with Liverpool. "The Reds" are more aggressive in their attacking play and often employ a very high defensive line. He frequently encounters transition situations or one-on-one scenarios with opposing wingers.

Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by new players in adapting, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. "They were all exhausted when substituted. That is actually normal. The English League is indeed the most competitive; you must get used to the very high demands. They will be fine," he said.

Liverpool fielded four debutant players simultaneously in their 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. Three of the players, apart from Kerkez, hail from the German League. Interestingly, all of these players are known for their reliability in offensive situations. It is only natural that Slot is becoming increasingly confident in expressing an open style of play.

The problem is that this confidence can backfire. This was evident when they conceded the second goal from Bournemouth. Liverpool was already leading 2-1 with 15 minutes of regular time remaining. Instead of playing more safely, they took risks. They attacked with eight players in the penalty area.

Liverpool weren't prepared for a counter-attack. When they lost possession, Bournemouth punished them with lightning-fast transitions. "How many players were in attacking positions, maybe eight? When you're 2-1 up? That shouldn't happen. It's shocking at this level," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports.

Carragher added that Slot needs to find a more balanced squad composition. "This team is filled with two offensive-type wing-backs and attacking midfielders who are more interested in ball possession than in defending. If Liverpool continues like this, I don't think they will win the championship again this season," he continued.

Slot is not overly concerned about Liverpool's defensive issues at the beginning of the season, including their loss in the Community Shield to Crystal Palace. For the Dutch coach, everything will improve as the new players adapt and the return of defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

Although weaknesses and strengths are beginning to emerge, it is very difficult to read the future of the teams based solely on the opening week. All teams are just starting to warm up and are still far from their best potential, including the giant team Manchester City, which won decisively 4-0 at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers. (AP/REUTERS)