*Undroppable Guendouzi and Ceballos*
Here is a dilemma Unai Emery will enjoy. How does he structure his midfield when - in Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira - he has so many options that can make a difference on any given day?
Each have facets of their game unique to them, allowing Emery to tailor his approach to the opponents as is his wont, but one fact is clearly apparent after the opening two games. It would be harsh indeed to drop any of the three, Guendouzi, Willock and Ceballos, who have featured in both of those wins.
Whilst there is a logic in perhaps steering clear of the youthful energy of Willock at Anfield there can be no such case made for Ceballos and Guendouzi, who whilst he might also be a youthful option already has 50 Arsenal appearances under his belt.
Guendouzi appears to have moved up another level during the summer and is increasingly comfortable as the midfielder who drops deepest, creating a third man alongside the centre-backs that allows the Gunners to build their attacks from deep. Unlike Xhaka the Frenchman has the close control and turn of pace to evade pressing attackers on his own if needs be and keeps the ball in Arsenal's possession. Of the 126 passes he has attempted since the start of the season 113 have found their man.
With Guendouzi at the base of midfield there is a flow to how Arsenal build the game and that is only aided by Ceballos, whose full debut ranks among the most impressive arrivals the Emirates Stadium has seen. If the French youngster offers solidity and industry then Ceballos is a more mercurial, invigorating talent, one who bridges the gulf that can so often emerge between the midfield and frontline.
Those two alone give Arsenal such a strong balance in midfield that, for the time being at least, it is hard to see why Emery would consider dispensing with either of them when his side take the pitch against Liverpool next Saturday, particularly as Guendouzi has proven already that he is a big game player.
That could potentially leave just one place available for three contenders, each with their own strong cases in their favour, be they the leadership of the likely club captain Xhaka or the relentless energy of Torreira. Emery will certainly find that potential question to be an intriguing headache.