After successive Premier League wins and the imminent arrival of Denis Suarez, suddenly there is cautious optimism once again. But maybe we should just relax?
Taking a longer view, it has been clear that some improvements have been made. The new signings, by and large, have improved the squad. Leno, Sokratis and Torreira are all now first choice, while Guendouzi has shown potential at his tender age.
There has been a greater intensity to our play. We may still ship far too many goals, but there is less of that “soft underbelly” which too often proved our undoing in the late-Wenger era. We’ve got more cojones now.
Perhaps the most pleasing change has been our tactical flexibility under Unai Emery. For so long under Wenger there was a sense that nothing was going to change, that we could never turn up and do a job on a big side through springing a surprise or countering an opponents’ talents.
Against Spurs and Chelsea at home, it was clear that there was a specific plan to counter their threats and a plan to exploit their weaknesses. What’s more, as each game progressed, further changes were made to react to different scenarios.
Of course, the season hasn’t been plain sailing and Arsenal have been a long way off perfect. Arsenal’s away form is a particular concern and the defence has been porous. It is hard however, for any team to succeed when almost every defender has missed large chunks of the season due to injury.
Above all else, Emery’s main problem is a lack of quality all over the pitch. Aside from Aubameyang and Lacazette, there are no players which the other big boys might yearn for.
The Arsenal board will know as well as Emery that major changes are needed, but major changes take time. Top four may have been the hope this season, but it is unlikely to have been the expectation.
And so, as the season goes on maybe we can watch with a different perspective. Our players aren’t that great, but with the addition of Suarez (and maybe one more) alongside Auba and Laca, we might just cause an upset and bring the Champions League back to the Emirates.
Comments
Post a Comment