Arsenal came back from Dubai after Christmas with the memory of having an awful December, where we had won just one of our last six matches before the winter break. But they came back completely reinvigorated, and set off on an absolutely incredible run to fight our way back into the title race with both Liverpool and Man City, and it was looking like we were going to carry on our unbeaten run in the Premier League indefinitely.
But suddenly, after a gruelling 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich at the Emirates, we then had a big wake-up call by losing at home to Aston Villa, which was the cue for many of our fans to write off our title aspirations, and then the bitter pill of losing in Munich straight after to end our UCL hopes.
It looked like Arteta’s team had had hit a brick wall which is not unknown at this time of the year, but since then we have bounced back once again, with wins at Molieaux, a massacre of Chelsea at home, and a hard fought victory in the North London derby, meaning we still have hopes of the title with only three matches remaining.
After our win at Tottenham, Mikel Arteta was asked on Arsenal.com how he managed to get the team back on track after those big disappointments, and the Boss replied: “First of all, it’s how much they want it. Don’t feel sorry for yourself, be a part of the journey. When you are at the highest possible level, you are going to have disappointments.
“The margins are so small so they’re not always going to go for you, and then it’s how you react to that and face the challenge and opportunity and be brave. I think this team has a lot of courage and determination to make it happen.”
This just shows how much our young Gunners have matured and realised that we don’t have a divine right to three points in every game, but you just have to push through and put it behind you.
Even if we don’t win the title this season, we have learned how to cope with the occasional setback, which is inevitable for every team in every season (there has only been one Invincible side, after all).
We are learning and gaining experience, and with a few more additions this summer, surely we can only improve even further next season….
The last two paragraphs are spot on and that’s why we will only get better.
Of course, there has only been one Invincible season, even city can’t match that, despite those 115 charges hanging over their heads.
But progression is the key and the author is absolutely correct, we are learning (fans as well) each season.
I hope we bulldoze our way to the title in a stunning fashion. Let’s do it. COYG!
A new physically-dominant CF would be essential for next season. Havertz’s form in the CF role has shown the importance of that type of target man
@Gai Once again you are right. And Havertz seem to be learning fast under Arteta as a false9.
I hope Arsenal would be ready to break the bank for a new CF next season. No good CF will cost less than 80-100m. The likes of Victor Gyokeres, Victor Osimehin, Ollie Watkins, Alex Issak, Ivan Toney etc.
I once told you Gai, there comes a time a coach would want more goals from his CF, that’s why Havertz is now prefered above Jesus. If Arsenal should get another CF next season Jesus and Nkethiah time at Arsenal are limited.
I think Arsenal will sell Nketiah and Jesus if there are good offers for them, then use the money to get a more powerful CF
Ad PAT. sensibly IMO,sets out a highly optimistic though also very realistic summation of where our club is headed and for some years ahead.
In fact, as far as we can foresee, given current circumstances.