Arsenal resume their Premier League challenge after the international break as they look to end an 18 year drought. As they get closer to their date with destiny, it is important to think about how far they have come since the Invincibles season. There has been a lot of evolution on and off the pitch that has brought us to this juncture.
Since the departure of Arsene Wenger in 2018, it has been quite a turbulent time for the Gunners. The fact that it took Mikel Arteta a couple of seasons to stabilise the situation proves how difficult the job has been. And the fact that the Spaniard has been able to turn it around so quickly is proof of how talented he is.
The Unai Emery Era
When the north Londoners looked to the former PSG man to replace Wenger, many were surprised. Most were expecting either a big name to be appointed or for the club to choose someone new like Arteta. The fact that they went with an experienced candidate known for his expertise in winning the Europa League, outlined their intentions.
While he did not do poorly, the signs pointed to the players being unhappy and the manager unable to win over them. The capitulation to finish fifth and the Europa League final did Emery no favours. It became clear that the situation was untenable, and the club had to think of a solution. And as a result of this, they went back to an option that was untested.
For all his faults, Emery needs to be appreciated for a few things. One of them is the fact that he is the one who gave a chance to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Those two have become an important cog in the team’s success. The other merit that the current Aston Villa manager deserves is that he made the Gunners hard to beat, especially in Europe. There is a good chance that the trophy could have retuned to the Emirates had Arsenal played a non-English team.
The FA Cup Win
Once the north Londoners got rid of Emery, they couldn’t have their pick of the best and went with potential. That arrived in the form of former captain Arteta who had an amazing finish to his first half-season. Take a look at the team that beat Manchester City in the semis and Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup and it looks unrecognizable. A lot of the principles that Arteta likes were visible, but he didn’t have the personnel to execute it.
For a manager to come into such a volatile environment and win a trophy immediately did a lot to improve the credibility of Arteta. It even helped people overlook the league form which never really recovered. To follow up the Cup win by winning the Community Shield made people think about the promise the 20/21 season held. But that was not to be the case.
The Toughest Season
The very fact that Arteta survived this season and was not sacked is a testament to the faith the Arsenal board had in him. There were many rough patches where the north Londoners looked far away from ever returning to the top. Another eighth placed finish and no Europe to look forward to, the fans had also started to turn against their manager. But in the midst of all this, there was one game where things started to turn around. One game that people could point to and say that the revolution began here.
Boxing Day 2020, the Gunners got the better of Chelsea in a 3-1 win that sees Arteta commit to a new formation. It also acts as the introduction of Emile Smith Rowe into the first team. Though the team’s form picked up significantly after that, the damage had already been done. Despite a good finish, it was a campaign to forget.
The Big Decision
21-22 was a hugely interesting season for both Arsenal fans and for neutrals. It started so disastrously, then picked up in great fashion. Just when it looked like the club was getting back into the Champions League, a combination of factors prevented that from happening. But throughout all this, there was one decision that dominated the headlines.
The exclusion of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad sent shockwaves through the footballing world. At the time, it was made to look like Arteta was a power-hungry man who was treating his captain unfairly. History would tell us that the manager was right to let go of the current Chelsea striker. The team started playing better and it also showed the others how ruthless their manager could be.
During this season, despite the bad start and finish, there was a period in between where the north Londoners showed how good they can be. From November till March, there was a beautiful harmony present in the team.
Players were coming into their own and it gave the fans a tantalising glimpse of the future. This was when the connection between the stands and those on the pitch started to truly blossom. The clamour to buy tickets started right there, and it has grown manifold.
The Current Situation
Not even the most optimistic Arsenal fan would have predicted the team doing so well in the Premier League this season. But that is where we are as we sit on the cusp of what could be a memorable campaign for everyone involved. Fans that were with the club through the dark times will appreciate just how much this team has grown and evolved to reach this position.
Those behind the scenes need to be appreciated as well as their faith in the manager, ability to buy the right players etc has played a huge role. If the Gunners can be a legitimate threat, it is because of all these factors coming together at the right time. The league is not done yet as the threat of Manchester City will always be looming large.
But whatever happens from till the end of May, the players need to be proud of what they have done. To be in this position when not many believed you could, is a testament to the talent and togetherness that is present in this group of players.
Conclusion
The only factor that could hurt the Gunners’ title challenge is injuries and well, there is no way to control that. You could rotate the playing XI to give others rest but for some situations, there is nothing you can do. So, it is better to take each game as it comes and focus on that alone.
Arsenal ending their title drought will shut up a lot of people, should it happen. The fact that Arteta has brought the team to this position shows the potential and promise he has. If you asked the fans what their primary goal for this season was, they would have mentioned finishing in the top four.
With Champions League qualification almost sealed, the ten remaining matches are going to feel like finals. Each game is going to make everyone associated with the club unbelievably nervous and that is a good thing. To reach the promised land, it takes a lot and this team has what it takes to reach there and beyond.
