Finishing second behind surprise champions Leicester may have papered over the cracks that appeared during a campaign that Arsenal could look back on with regret. Leapfrogging fierce rivals Tottenham into runners-up spot at the death should be considered scant consolation for the wonderful opportunity that went begging for Arsene Wenger’s team, with the Gunners finishing ten points behind the title winners in a season where all of the big guns struggled. It is difficult to see a repeat this time around, particularly with the calibre of managers and players who have moved to clubs that are usually considered serious title contenders. Wenger will know that his hope of ending thirteen years without a Premier League trophy in his hands will be even harder than he possibly anticipated, but although Betway believe that Arsenal are amongst the frontrunners to finish the 2016/2017 season at the summit, it may require a flawless campaign in order for the Gunners to lift the title.
Drops in concentration levels and falling short in games in which Arsenal were expected to make a statement ultimately denied the team any chance of overhauling Leicester, despite being in a great position at one stage. The away defeat at West Brom and Southampton, along with the 2-1 loss against Swansea at the Emirates, are prime examples of games when the Gunners did not cover themselves in glory, and although there were many flashes of brilliant football that fans have become accustomed to over the years, question marks over the team’s mentality still remain. There has to be a belief that the upcoming season will see a more focused side, particularly with Wenger in the final year of his contract; it remains to be seen what the future holds for the manager, but Arsenal may be motivated to succeed if they know this is his final swansong.
There is a clear indication, if the rumour mill is anything to go by, that Arsenal will look to bring in top quality reinforcements this summer, with Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka unlikely to be the first through the door at the Emirates. The 23-year-old will certainly add bite and an element of guile to a position that needed to be addressed after Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta were allowed to leave the club; Xhaka will compliment Francis Coquelin nicely, with his calmness on the ball and nice array of passing clear for all to see at Euro 2016. Julian Draxler, Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette are to name but a few name that has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, with fans hoping that Wenger adds the two or three top drawer players that could tip the balance of power in their favour. Betway are previewing the 2016/17 odds on the Premier League winners based on who they believe has the quality to last the distance, but if Arsenal were able to bring in the calibre of players that fans and pundits alike have been crying out for at the club, then the Gunners could leapfrog both Manchester clubs and become the team to beat in the betting market.
Finding a balance between quantity and quality is imperative this summer, and although everyone connected with Arsenal wants to see the biggest superstars in world football ply their trade for the club, Wenger needs to be shrewd and bring in the right players. It may require considerable sums of money in order to bring those new faces to the Emirates, but Wenger must also look at areas in which Arsenal have been thin on the ground. Injuries and suspensions are part and parcel of the modern game, but failing to be adequately prepared when the inevitable happens has proved to be Arsenal’s downfall; the team do not have the same edge whenever Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez are sidelined, while Olivier Giroud is arguably the only out-and-out striker Wenger has at his disposal. The board have to take this into consideration when providing Wenger with the financial backing he needs, as there is no question that Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title would be boosted tenfold if one, or more, of the likes of Draxler, Higuain and Lacazette joined the club.
Arsenal have built a strong reputation for being one of the most eye-catching teams to watch in Europe, let alone England, but for the team to be successful this season, it will require more than flair, fast passing and quick movement. Some would argue that Wenger needs to create a ‘Plan B’, and even a ‘Plan C’, to tackle games in which Arsenal find it difficult to pass their way through teams; opponents have become accustomed to how the Gunners play, and although it can be incredibly difficult to stop them when they are firing on all cylinders, there has to be a different tact against teams that make themselves very difficult to break down. Doing so would give Arsenal a fantastic chance of being equipped to tackle games of every type, and if Wenger is able to spur the team on to provide the success and silverware that the fans deserve for their loyal support, then 2016/2017 could prove to be one to remember.
