Reasons to be cheerful - Gooner writer Rosie Tudball remains upbeat despite Arsenal's controverisal defeat to Manchester United.

With the Gunners winning five out of five, prior to the weekend's disappointment at Old Trafford, loyal Gunner Rosie is full of optmisim for the season.

After a crushing end to the 2021-22 season, things seem to be looking up for Arsenal in their preparations for the new campaign. 

The Gunners faced an uphill battle throughout the year with injuries and a lack of consistency ultimately defining the underwhelming fifth placed finish.

Taking this into consideration, Arsenal have a chance for redemption against their strengthening top half rivals and with a strong pre-season so far, questions must be asked as to whether the current squad have shifted away from being branded as underdogs in comparison to their financially lucrative opponents. 

It was never going to be an easy ride when Mikel Arteta took the reins in north London and looking back to his first named squad in comparison to now – its clear to see growth that the club has been yearning for for a number of years.

Like any new manager, the Spaniard inherited a lot of deadwood from an averagely performing side crafted by countryman Unai Emery.

With a dip in performance over the years, questions have been raised about whether Arsenal are still a club as favoured for top players in comparison to the years prior to Arsene Wenger’s exit.

Of course, the Londoners will never outrightly fail to attract star names, and after an impressive start to the transfer window and the new season, the squad looks to be building something exciting for years to come. 

The introduction of Gabriel Jesus from the champions looks to be – in a short story so far – a signing written in the stars.

The Brazilian has lit up Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the States with five goal contributions so far pairing an assist with four goals that individually showcased both his innate ability in front of goal and the value he can add to the squad in the number nine role. 

If you throw in his impressive performances in the six league matches he's played so far, scoring three goals and have a perfectly good strike disallowed at Bournemouth, the future looks bright.

Second place City bolstered our squad more than just the talented Brazilian, as full back Oleksander Zinchenko lit up the left flank in his short but sweet debut in America - as well as his energetic performances throughout the new season so far. 

It seems that Arsenal are finally turning a corner in terms of recruitment and team morale, two desperately important areas to elevate when reflecting on past seasons. 

With Arsenal top of the league and a return to Europe approaching, Arteta’s side will be looking to do the talking when it matters most, but a confident start can never go unnoticed - despite Sunday's result.

Read the brilliant Rosie in every print issue of the Gooner Fanzine during 2022-23. Buy the current issue here