Sunday marked the end of what can only be described as the most bonkers and unpredictable Premier League season in its history and for us Gooners the season will certainly be one to forget… or will it?
A run of 10 games which returned just 5 points, individual mistakes, missed chances and a few dodgy VAR decisions are all reasons why we have failed to qualify for European football for the first time since 1995/96 season. Over the course of the season, we simply haven’t been good enough but for all the doom and gloom, could the good times and European qualification be back as early as next season? Post-Christmas form (league), defensive improvements and a group of talented youngsters are reasons to look at the positives and remain optimistic. Short term it’s not great but long term the 2020/21 season could well be a defining year in the clubs long history.
In Mikel Arteta, we have a young coach that has received plenty of criticism during the season (the majority justified) but for all his faults, flaws and inexperience, the fact is he has improved us defensively, he has made us more competitive against the other so-called ‘Big 6’ sides, he has managed to get rid of the majority of the ‘bad eggs’ from the dressing room and most importantly he WILL have learnt a lot from his mistakes and the unusual and challenging circumstances of this season.
In the likes of Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Azeez, Smith Rowe, Saka, Pepe, Martinelli and Balogun plus the returning Saliba and Willock, it means we have something to build on. A foundation and platform that could last for many years. Throw in a few squad players like Leno, Chambers, Holding, Mari and even Lacazette (if he stays) and you argue that several pieces to the puzzle are already in place. The job now is to find the missing pieces that will allow the youngsters and the team to develop, flourish and take this club forward.
The owners, I think everything that has needed to be said about the Kroenkes (KSE) has already been said but looking at it from a different perspective, the lack of European football next season and the Daniel EK takeover talk may turn out to be a blessing in disguise and beneficial to the clubs long term future. This could well be the kick up the backside and wakeup call that they (the Kroenkes) have needed. Afterall, it’s not only major investment that is required but also a real interest in the club from top to bottom. *The owner(s) of Leicester City are an example of how ownership of a football club should be. They care about the club, the city and everyone connected to the club and that’s reflected in their relationship with manager, players and the fans.
A big summer now awaits and it’s vital that we get things right and correct previous mistakes, both on and off the pitch. Do that and the next couple of years might not be as bad as the majority of our fanbase think. Of course, only time will tell whether it’s lessons learnt or same old Arsenal…
Big T (@BigT_87)
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