Within the complicated and unforgiving world of Premier League soccer, Mikel Arteta, in his coronary heart of hearts, might have recognized that Arsenal’s title race was successfully over earlier than the pivotal match in opposition to West Ham.
As Pep Guardiola’s former assistant, he understands higher than most simply how relentless Manchester Metropolis may be. The Gunners wanted a miracle to maintain their title hopes alive, however when Metropolis surged into an early lead in opposition to West Ham, the writing was on the wall. Arsenal’s first league title in 20 years slipped farther from their grasp.
Regardless of the frustration, Arsenal’s season was not with out its deserves. Ending on 89 factors, this marketing campaign ranks as their second-best within the Premier League period, surpassed solely by the legendary Invincibles’ 90 factors within the 2003/04 season. This achievement underscores the progress the staff has made below Arteta’s management, even when they in the end fell in need of the highest prize.
The match in opposition to Everton encapsulated the blended feelings of Arsenal’s season. An early setback got here when Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free-kick put Everton forward. Nevertheless, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s swift equaliser three minutes later restored hope. Arsenal fought valiantly and Kai Havertz’s late winner ensured they did their half. But, Metropolis’s victory over West Ham rendered Arsenal’s efforts moot, confirming that the title would stay out of their attain.
Mikel Arteta should signal a pure striker for Arsenal this summer season
Arteta faces a number of crucial questions, significantly relating to the state of his ahead line. Kai Havertz’s spectacular debut season, marked by 20 Premier League purpose involvements, locations him in elite firm alongside Thierry Henry, Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, and Alexis Sanchez.
Nevertheless, the consensus amongst specialists is obvious: Arsenal want a world-class quantity 9 to bridge the hole with Manchester Metropolis.
Former West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker spoke on BBC Radio 5 Stay, highlighting the significance of a prolific striker. “You’ll be able to see why they’ve been linked with Alexander Isak from Newcastle,” Reo-Coker famous. “If you suppose they misplaced to Bayern Munich within the Champions League and Arteta says ‘we don’t have a striker who’s going to attain 25 objectives’; there may be your reply. He is aware of it. The highest groups want that of their aspect.”
Arsenal’s present squad has proven immense promise, however competing with the likes of Manchester Metropolis requires a constant and dependable goal-scorer. The Gunners’ progress below Arteta is obvious, however to dethrone Manchester Metropolis, they have to deal with the gaps of their squad with the identical ruthlessness that defines their rivals.
