Arsenal finished the 2016/2017 Premier League campaign outside the top four – the first time such happened in 17 seasons. Arsene Wenger pulled the rabbit out of the hat again by delivering the FA cup in a dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley and is set to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the next two seasons.
The Gunners suffered new lows under Wenger last season. They lost four away games in a row which cost them dearly in finishing in the top four. They also missed out on Uefa Champions League qualification for the first time since Wenger took charge of the North London outfit in 1996.
Arsenal have not won the league since the Invincibles of 2004 and three FA cup triumphs in three years have papered over some of the cracks. This however is unacceptable for a team that is only trailing Manchester United and Liverpool in historical silverware. One can’t also shy away from the fact that the Gunners have failed to be competitive against their rivals and have had key players plagued by injuries.
After breaking the club transfer record to bring in Alexander Lacazette, the Emirates Stadium outfit will be hoping the former Lyon man can fire them to their first league triumph in 13 years, but is it a realistic ambition or another flash in the pan to continue the woeful showing in the league?
Will Lacazette’s arrival spark the revival of the fast, furious and clinical brand of attacking football Arsenal is known for as this has not been seen since Robin Van Persie’s sale to Manchester United five seasons ago?
Arsenal will compete in the Uefa Europa League for the upcoming season and Arsene Wenger’s attention should be on the competition as that might be his only realistic chance for silverware.
The current squad doesn’t look strong enough to compete for Premier League honours and with Alexis Sanchez facing a possible exit, we shouldn’t expect anything different from what we’ve been accustomed to seeing in recent campaigns.
How do you see Arsenal’s season turning out? Leave your comments below.
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