While the past 10 years or so have not exactly been the most successful in the clubs long history but there has been usually something to enjoy- an FA Cup here or a finish above spurs there. Arsenal achieved neither of those things in 2020/21. A disastrous November and December virtually ended the clubs top four hopes while an 8th place finish and a Europa League semi final defeat to eventual Champions Villereal mean that Arsenal will note be involved in European Competition for the first in 25 years. Few Arsenal fans will shed tears at missing out on the inaugural European Conference League but that statistic is still a startling one and demonstrates how far the club has fallen in recent times. Its difficult to see the light after a season which took place almost entirely behind closed doors- not to mention the fact Arsenal suffered an historically bad start. There was a also the matter of the clubs board going behind the backs of players, staff and fans by attempting to join the now collapsed European Super League. However, as some countries begin to ease restrictions bringing hope of a slow return to normality-there are things to be positive about for Arsneal.
For most of the season, Arsenals fans hopes and dreams were heavily weighted on poor Bukayo Saka’s shoulders. January, however saw the emergence of Emile Smith-Rowe and the return from injury of Gabrielle Martinelli. The former has been integral in the Gunners good form in 2021 and while the former has not been used as much as many fans would like-they are both still sources of optimism, alongside Saka. Florin Balogun has signed a long term contact to the surprise of many meaning that the Gunners have a good core of youngsters. All but Smith-Rowe are on long term contracts and Arsneal hope that he too will commit himself long term soon. Meanwhile, left back Kieran Tierney and center back Gabriel, both 23, are still young and should be important players going forward.
Its not just the younger personnel that brighten what was a dark and gloomy season. Arsenals results since the Stephens day victory over Chelsea have been quietly impressive. In fact, they have been the 3rd best team this calendar year- a statistic which feels rather null and void considering their 8th place finish and Europa League exit. However, their 2021 form shows that the team are capable of putting together a run of results. They have also shown a capacity to control games, something they have failed to do consistently for some time- the recent victories away to Newcastle and at home to Brighton demonstrate this. A playing style has also emerged- Bukayo Sakas goal in the 4-0 victory over West Brom early in the year came after a brilliant team move. Arteta has spoken about structure pretty much since his appointment in November 2019-we are now beginning to see this emphasis on the structural side of the game replicate itself in Arsenals performances. It has been far from perfect-obviously. Often Arteta’s stubbornness when it comes to structure has come at a detriment to Arsenal’s attacking game. We seen this over cautious approach in the 2nd leg of Arsenals Europa League tie with Villereal which finished 0-0. However, defensively, the Gunners have improved significantly. Only Manchester City and Chelsea have conceded fewer goals than Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta is about a year and a half into his first managerial post and in that time he has experienced the most dramatic disruption to football since the 2nd World War. He had no real pre season last year and has had little time to really plan on the training pitch. He won a trophy in his first season and while his second was undoubtedly a failure-there are crumbs of hope to find if you look hard enough. The squad needs work-that is is for certain. Several first team players are keen to leave, according to The Athletic-one of which already has in David Luiz. Lacazette, Bellerin, Xhaka and Leno are the others reportedly wanting to leave. A Summer clear out is probably not the worst thing Arsenal could do but the Arsenal transfer team have a huge amount of work to do and must improve on past performances. Incomings will be necessary in a number of positions including right back should Bellerin depart, left back, midfield and up front should Lacazette also leave. It won’t be an easy task and Mikel Arteta will need the backing of both his colleagues-including the incoming Richard Garlick and the owners. It would be easy and pretty understandable to feel gloomy about the forthcoming transfer window and the new season in September-but while is much to worry about-there is also a reason to be optimistic and even excited.
TheGoonerStation 