Mikel Arteta made his stance on one Arsenal clear after picking his starting XI for the win over Leicester City.
As Arsenal cruised to an impressive 2-0 win over Leicester to continue their impressive run, there was a sense that this had been the game Mikel Arteta had been waiting for. With a young line-up and all six of their summer signing featuring, this was a nod to the future that Mikel Arteta has building towards for the entirety over the last 12 months at the Emirates Stadium.
It was the excellent Bukayo Saka who whipped in the corner for Gabriel to head home and hand the Gunners an early lead.
Emile Smith Rowe then continued his impressive form in front of goal with his fourth of the season, striking home with aplomb from 15 yards.
The signing of Aaron Ramsdale had attracted criticism over the summer but the England international was the best player on the pitch, making four crucial stops to keep a clean sheet.
And that gave some vindication for the Arsenal head coach, who splashed the cash on new arrivals this summer and is finally reaping the benefits.
Arteta spent £150million on Ramsdale, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
That sum was the most spent by any Premier League manager as he revamped his Arsenal squad following successive eighth-placed finishes in the league.
David Luiz, Willian, Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock all left and it seemed that was a clear message from the Spaniard as he looked to assemble a squad capable of challenging for Europe not just for next season — but for years to come.
But there is one issue he is still yet to solve and, heading into the January transfer window, it is a situation Arteta must seek to resolve with sporting director Edu Gaspar.
As it stands, Alexandre Lacazette will be free to discuss and sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January 1 as his contract is yet to be renewed.
