At the very beginning of last season, many people were convinced that Arsenal would have easily claimed the top 4 and even the championship. North London club has done a lot of astonishing and unexpected transfers because of the transfer windows and has amazed and delighted fans all over the world. However, Mikel Arteta and his team sadly ended up in the 2nd position, giving Manchester City the chance of winning the title again as they were five points ahead. The big question on every gunners’ lips now is: will Mikel Arteta and his team be strong enough to take the title this season without bottling the league again?
In light of Arsenal’s team, which has got stronger with the new signings of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and David Raya, who has taken the position of first-choice goalie, Aaron Ramsdale it is surely, to state the least, a good time to take a closer look at Manchester City’s summer transfer market activity. The departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan have surely, to say the least, lessened the treble winners’ strength. Man City did so, however, through the signing of Mateo Kovacic for £25 Million, thus allowing him to underwrite the vacancy caused by their club captains’ departure. This may or may not be at par with the same standard of excellence. This does not mean that the Croatian international will not do well. But this does highlight the almost impossible-to-replace nature of Gundogan’s input during the most critical of times. It is not a highly debatable assertion that Manchester City has gone down in general while Arsenal’s upward trajectory has been quite noticeable.
“What we have ahead of us next summer is extremely important and we have to absolutely nail it,” said Mikel Arteta. Throughout the current season, Arsenal has demonstrated their potential to secure a position in the top four once again, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the quest for the title. In the latest match at Brentford Community Stadium, the highlight was Kai Havertz, who scored an outstanding goal in the 89th minute, thus bringing the Gunners to the top of the league table. This was a game-changing event that not only brought three vital points to Arsenal, but also raked in much praise for Kai Havertz from the fans all over the world, who have been very fast to show their love and appreciation for his outstanding and vital role in the team’s victory. If Arsenal does not stop winning in the next matches, their chances of lifting the cup this year will be brightening progressively. The team’s consistent success on the field not only boosts morale but also contributes to a positive momentum that could carry them through the remainder of the season. With each victory, the players gain confidence, and the team as a whole solidifies its position as a formidable contender.
Arsenal has undoubtedly used the opportunity to make their coach, Mikel Arteta, with his unusual requirements and expectations, the centrepiece of the team. Arteta’s influence has been significant in shaping the character of the team, making the techniques and playing styles he wants visible. The current season is a necessary period for the players to become accustomed to Arteta’s thinking and to contribute their input to the overall development of the team.
References
- The Independent. (2023). Five things Arsenal must do to win the Premier League next season. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-premier-league-b2343386.html [Accessed 26 Nov. 2023].