Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Arsenal's ambassador of hope
The arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Emirates was not eagerly anticipated or long awaited. To make up for the gaping hole that Alexis left in the Arsenal team, Wenger pulled some strings to get Mkhitaryan (Mkhi) on board, after experiencing a bad stint at United.
Mkhi's brilliant technique and amazing first touch is a much-needed boost for Arsenal. The Gunners have always taken pride in their midfield talent and with Santi Cazorla out injured, Mkhitaryan can now step up to charm fans. As he is about to weave his story in the Arsenal legacy, there were a lot of mixed reactions around the new signing.
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"A convincing debut" as Wenger described Mkhitaryan's home debut against Everton, was a showing of raw passion as Arsenal took away three points, scoring 5 goals and conceding just 1. Coming on for the first time at Emirates, he tackled the new turf with some sweet touches on the ball. With flashes of extraordinary skills, he assisted 3 of the 5 Arsenal goals. If the Armenian is already boosting team performance, one can only eagerly anticipate magnificent games ahead.
A world-class playmaker, he was a force to reckon with in Germany before reaching the Premier league and barely making a mark at Manchester United. He experienced a dip in form at United, owing to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. With the latest introduction of Aubameyang to Arsenal, the Armenian could recover his prolific form from his glory days at Dortmund.
The pair has a cherished history, playing for Dortmund together and they gave a glimpse of things to come when Aubameyang scored on his home debut against Everton. The energy we've seen is a token of optimism for Arsenal fans. The arrival of Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang to Arsenal could mark a fresh page for the decorated tag team and for Arsenal F.C.
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Having being denied a chance to truly showcase his abilities at Manchester United means that the exchange between Arsenal and United is the perfect move for Mkhi's career. In the absence of Alexis Sanchez, Mkhitaryan could prove to be the missing piece of a puzzle that has been baffling audiences despite the Gunners being home to big names. Nothing can explain sixth position with a side that rolls out a quality squad every week. Mkhitaryan is a talisman that can make up for the absence of little magician Santi Cazorla while honouring the elegance of the maestro, Mesut Ozil. Surely, Alexis leaving is no reason for the club's poor showing. Mkhitaryan, a great team player above all, has arrived to prove that he can bring the best out of the Gunners.
There is a lot that Mkhi brings to the Arsenal squad, but the challenge he faces is beyond the pitch. Reviving Gooner adore worldwide is a tough task considering the ever-changing team chemistry we have gotten used to. This is where Mkhitaryan has the upper hand. His watchful eye and incredible showman spirit is just the beginning to a list of inspiring additions he brings. Calm, composed yet terrifying on the ball, he is a great dribbler and an even greater passer.
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Arsene Wenger knows that the Armenian has a lot to offer. Mkhi lived up to the hype around his sudden transfer to Arsenal with 3 beautiful assists and several lovely passes in the past two games for the Gunners. The question remains as to how this enthusiasm will be brought out and incorporated into a style of play that compliments the immediate future at Arsenal F.C. Undoubtedly, he looks to have gelled into the team almost instantly.
Mkhi is more than capable of resurrecting the Arsenal crest from the ill fate that has touched the hearts of fans everywhere. Add Aubameyang to the lineup and the roof of the stadium will be on fire. Fan's have been given a new hope with the two new signings. Fans are sceptical mostly due to the great depression they've witnessed with major titles, hoping that the Armenian UNICEF ambassador can refurnish hopes.
It will take a few games in an Arsenal jersey to fully uncover Mkhitaryan as the world-class midfielder we all know. Mkhitaryan has got a lot to say and he has made it clear that his game will do the talking. Two games down, many more to come. Mkhitaryan is the new ambassador of hope for the Gunners.
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