The past 10 years of English football has been dominated by the Manchester clubs and Chelsea. It’s no secret that since Arsenal’s invincible years not much success has come to the club, besides the 2014 and ’15 FA Cup.
Let’s evaluate why that is, and what they can do to challenge for the title next season.
The reason for Arsenal’s constant failure to finish higher than third is their lack of power.
Arsenal play a great passing and counter-attacking style, and it works well for them. But they need players who understand the concept of the Arsenal way: quick movements, one-touch passing, and being able to break down defence without them even knowing.
With a lack of pace from Olivier Giroud, they need some more pace up front – which Alexandre Lacazette can provide. The Frenchman tore up Ligue 1 this season, scoring 27 league goals and coming ever so close to the title.
With maestro Mesut Ozil and the quick feet of Alexis Sanchez teamed up with Santi Cazorla, Arsenal’s midfield is dynamite. Their problem is the lack of a finisher up top. Giroud can do it well sometimes, but they cannot rely on him to bring the x-factor every game.
If Arsene Wenger is smart he will sell Jack Wilshere in the summer. The Englishman has been out with injury, but he also turned in some bad performances throughout the season, making 23 appearances in all comps and only scoring two goals and one assist.
He should be replaced by French star Francis Coquelin, who broke out this season with the second highest tackles and perfect interceptions. Although not scoring or getting any assists in his time in the first team, he often plays killer balls that open up space for the midfield or attack.
Lastly, Arsenal’s back line is less than satisfactory. Per Mertesacker was one of the worst centre-halves in the premier league this season, but new signing Gabriel looks like an exciting prospect. Wenger should also use Laurent Koscielny much more than he did this season, as starting centre-half for the French team, he is often the difference when it comes to defending big attacks.
Apparently Wenger has enquired about acquiring French centre back Kurt Zouma on loan from Chelsea. Whether they get him or not, I don’t think this signing will make a difference.
These new signings may mean success in Europe, or even the title challenge we have been waiting for from Arsenal for the last 10 years.
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