Arsenal looks to make strides in first full season with manager Mikel Arteta
CRANFORD, N.J. (BVM) — Arsenal has improved under Mikel Arteta, but have a long way to go to contend for the Premier League Title. Last season can be described as a time of disarray and confusion, with Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg, and Arteta all being in charge at different points.
That being said, no one expected Arsenal to be challenging for the title, as the club finished eighth in the league. There are some positives for the club though, like winning the FA Cup last season and retaining star player Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. They also added some new acquisitions, and are embracing the identity that Arteta has provided them.
With the transfer window having to be extended, Arsenal has been able to bring in some much needed reinforcements to the squad. Former Chelsea winger Wilian has been added to provide experience to the front line. Brazilian defender Gabriel was brought to desperately improve the back. Dani Cellabos has returned for another loan after a successful stint last season, and keeper Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson was purchased to replace the departed Emiliano Martínez who has joined Aston Villa.
Arsenal has already played three league games and it can be said that more improvements will have to be brought in after a 3 – 1 loss to Liverpool. The squad will feel strong after their recent victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, but it can be seen that reinforcements are heavily needed.
Many fans on social media have been clamoring for the team to acquire Houssem Aouar from Lyon and Thomas Partey. The problem with obtaining the two is the lack of funds the club has at their disposal. Reports have said that the possible departures of Lucas Torreira, Shkordan Mustafi and Sokratis will allow the team to have the finances to invest in Aouar and Partey.
Currently on the injured list is Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers.
Fixture congestion will be more present than usual this year, so squad rotation will be more important than ever. Given that the Premier League and Europa League offer the greater opportunities, these should be prioritized over the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, where they will fall short purely due to necessary rotation and squad management.
The young players in the squad have to step up and make a real impact. Bukayo Saka, a starlet in the previous season, while currently he hasn’t had the playing time fans might have wanted, he is making his impact known . Gabriel Martinelli was a surprise breakout star last season. Only time will tell if he can replicate his form after he returns from injury. Joe Willock has been quite the confusion, with his best position unknown at this point.
Fans will expect the team to make it to the FA Cup Semi – Final, win the Europa League and compete for a top 4 finish. It will be to no one’s surprise if Aubameyang is to be the team’s leader goalscorer. Fans will be expecting Alex Lacazette to bounce back from the previous rocky season to win his second Player of the Season award. It will be to no one’s surprise if Bukayo Saka is in the running for the Young Player of the Year award.
If the early form is the indication on the outcome of the rest of the season, then it will be an interesting season for Arsenal fans.
