I didn't see the pre-season game today, only the highlights.
From what I saw, however, its not too different than Chelsea. Defensively we're practicing playing this more aggressive style with a higher line. Not only is it a work-in-progress, but the LCB we want for that tactic (Gabriel) isn't there. Mari just doesn't have the athleticism and one-on-one defending skills for that kind of system. And we're clearly still just ironing out a bunch of kinks. My suspicion is that we put this on the shelf for a while when the real games start. Offensively, playing Auba and Laca together continues to be shit, just as it has been for about three years now. Arteta doesn't really have other options for the LW with Saka still working back into shape, Martinellli not back yet, and the mystery CAM signing (which would allow ESR to play on the left) not yet in the fold. So I don't think we're really seeing what the team will look like in that respect. My biggest worry, however, is that neither Auba or Laca is good enough anymore to really be the main main at CF. We desperately need to find some team to take one of them, even if it means no transfer fee and just paying the wages, and to bring in another striker who can offer something different.
All in all, I think Mike is right though that the team basically has the same problems as last year. White and Lokonga both look like good signings so far but are just really playing the roles Luiz and Ceballos did, they're not going to be revolutionizing the team (at least at this stage of their careers and integration). So having the same problems isn't really a surprise since its just the same team, but currently playing without Partey, Saka (for the most part), Martinelli, Gabriel or the Odegaard replacement (which still could be Odegaard himself).
I think to really change the dynamic of the team we would need a different kind of CAM signing or a new striker, that's what would make a big difference. Getting Gabriel back and eventually really being able to lean into this high pressing style with him and White paired together at the back could also make a difference over time.
Reliable reports are suggesting that we've agreed a few with Newcastle of £25m for Willock, which would be good business. I assume that has to mean the CAM signing is happening. But I think we need more than that.