The days of Ivan Toney enjoying himself against Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium are well and truly over, and Mikel Arteta’s side have come a long way in the last two or three years.
Of course, what was particularly pleasing about the comeback against Brentford was Arsenal’s demonstration of their strength in depth.
Kai Havertz’s absence at a time when the Gunners were also without Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling up top should have been a big issue, however, Gabriel Jesus led the line superbly.
And those who came in, the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino, also contributed a lot to an important win, the kind of game Arsenal couldn’t afford to drop any points in.
Riccardo Calafiori struggled to replace Myles Lewis-Skelly vs Brentford
That being said, there were still one or two things for Arteta to ponder after the performance, including Riccardo Calafiori’s display.
With Myles Lewis-Skelly perhaps needing a rest and Calafiori deemed ready for minutes, Arteta made the switch.
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford is challenged by Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at the...
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
And in a surprise turn of events, the Italian actually appeared as a clear downgrade on Lewis-Skelly, who has already come so far at left-back.
When he plays at left-back, Calafiori improves Gabriel Martinelli ahead of him, a partnership that works so well.
But after another cumbersome, if not problematic performance against Brentford, it’s becoming clearer that the Italy international is playing out of position.
For Bologna last season, only six of Calafiori’s 37 appearances came at left-back.
However, in north London, Calafiori has only played centrally once from the start, and that was against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
Mikel Arteta repeating Kai Havertz mistake with Riccardo Calafiori
It’s important to note that Calafiori doesn’t deserve any criticism at this stage, he’s learning a new position whilst also managing his fitness and adapting to the Premier League.
But perhaps recognising Calafiori as a defender often playing out of position, helps explain why Arsenal fans are yet to consistently see the best of their big-money signing.
Of course, were Gabriel Magalhaes ever to miss a run of games, Calafiori would be absolutely crucial were he fit.
There’s no question that the Italian is a huge upgrade on Jakub Kiwior, who only plays minutes out of necessity at this point.
Kiwior could leave Arsenal this month, although the club have set a hefty asking price for any interested sides.
Calafiori should eventually reach his best levels at Arsenal, but it remains to be seen whether that will be as an inverted left-back, despite Arteta’s best attempts.
The Arsenal manager previously abandoned his plans to change Havertz’s position to good effect, and he may do so again with Calafiori.
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