Mikel Arteta refused to confirm which of Arsenal’s struggling quartet will be available for the Premier League curtain-raiser at Crystal Palace on Friday night.
For the second time in as many seasons, the Gunners will get the new top-flight season underway and will again make a trip across the capital to do so. The Spaniard will be hoping for a significantly better start than last term however, when his undercooked and unfit side were soundly beaten by recently promoted Brentford.
It promises to be a similarly fervent atmosphere at Selhurst Park, with Gunners legend Patrick Vieira venturing into his second campaign in charge. As for the visitors, they go into the first weekend appearing significantly better prepared, having enjoyed a positive summer both on, and off the pitch.
