The big mitigating circumstances being that the team is still not 'fit for purpose' IMO, and COVID in regards to the financial impacts for both the purge and rebuild.
In terms of being 'fit for purpose' Arteta spoke several times last season of needing 5-6 players to be able to implement the 433 as he wants. Whilst we have made that many signings this summer we are reportedly already looking to prioritise both CM and CF as the next transfer targets, which is a pretty good indication we are still missing some pieces to the puzzle. As such IMO the only part of the team that is perhaps 'sorted' is the Defence / back5 if we consider the line-up v Norwich as being our best suited to Arteta's wants.
COVID has done no favours for Arteta thus far in terms of trying to implement what amounts to being a 3rd different style and tactic in nearly as many years and as many managers and structures. As such IMO it is little surprise players seem confused or unsure of what to do at times. In terms of training there have been stories of Guardiola micro managing player positioning to within a metre when trying to implement his style and tactical play, and he is also pretty animated and vocal on the sidelines.
Last season Arteta changed his starting XI more often than not and the team that ended the season was very different to that which started the season. That said there should be no excuses to not see real progress and selection consistency this season, particularly without mid-week games to distract.
