The barren spell of silverware has coincided with a frugal approach to the transfer market following a move to the Emirates stadium but this term has shown that there is hope they will compete for the top honours once more, under the continued guidance of Arsene Wenger, who has confirmed he will sign a new contract.
However, domestic cup victory may have masked problems that are still bubbling beneath the surface. The Gunners’ sat on the summit of the Premier League for 128 days over the course of the campaign, but their title challenge predictably unravelled in spectacular fashion in March as squad inadequacies came back to haunt them.
Yet another top four finish was assured despite numerous nervy moments during the run-in but an improvement is a necessity next season.
Best Moment: FA Cup final victory
When the north Londoners experienced a disastrous start on Saturday afternoon and slipped two goals behind to Steve Bruce’s side, they appeared to have crumbled under the pressure. Defeat would have had huge ramifications for the entire team, but somehow, they dragged themselves back into the game via a Santi Cazorla free-kick and Laurent Koscielny strike to take the game into extra-time. Aaron Ramsey smashed home the winner to end nine years of pain and spark wild celebrations.
Worst Moment: Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge ended in a shameful capitulation at Stamford Bridge that spelled the end of the club’s title challenge. The north Londoners were simply blown away by Jose Mourinho’s side and the defeat started a run of four games without a run that threatened their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Best Player: Aaron Ramsey
The 23-year-old midfielder was in sensational form during the first half of the season before a groin injury on Boxing Day ruled him out until mid April. He could have competed for the top honour with Luis Suarez if it was not for his setback and his return has seen a revivial in the team’s form. It is no fluke, the Welshman is a huge talent and also secured his place in history with the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
Best Signing: Mesut Ozil
There are few candidates to choose as there were not a significant number of arrivals but it simply has to be the German international. Although Ozil has endured a dip in form and received a growing number of critics, his presence has largely lifted the team. His £42.4 million transfer from Real Madrid was a statement of intent and showed Arsenal’s rivals that they were not afraid to spend. The 25-year-old will improve during his second season in England.
lop of the Season: Kim Kallstrom
The towering Swedish international was the end product of a panicked search for a midfielder to sign on loan as injuries began to take their toll on Arsenal’s depleted squad. Ironically he arrived carrying an injury himself and played just 130 minutes of league football. However, he did find the net in the crucial penalty shoot-out victory over Wigan Athletic. Proof once again that last minute transfers are not Wenger’s forte.
Season-defining statistic
Arsenal conceded 22 goals against the other teams in the top five this season (Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton).
Target for next season
With a reported £100 million transfer budget Wenger can have no excuses for failing to make the necessary new additions to his squad. A defensive midfielder in the mould of Javi Martinez, along with a striker to provide back up to Olivier Giroud are a priority. The Frenchman needs support and a quicker option in the form of Karim Benzema would be an excellent purchase.
Defensive cover may also be needed, depending on the future of captain Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna. Both players are expected to depart and will need to be replaced to shore things up in defence. Arsenal’s first team can match that of their rivals but their squad cannot.
In terms of targets, a title challenge is an absolute must. Having gone so close this year only to fade away towards the end of the season in a familiar fashion, the fans will demand their side to go one better. Well equipped for another decent run in the Champions League anything other than qualification from the group stages will be deemed a failure.
With Wenger set to commit his future to the club, although the FA Cup victory is significant, he has not hung around for domestic cup success – the Frenchman will have his eye on a bigger prize.
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