The season has ended and it was quite a topsy turvy one for the Gunners. The unbeaten run, the annual November decline, and the strong finish. Here are five things that I took away from the season.
1. Arsene Wenger is willing to change.
For 20 years, Wenger has been loyal to his formations – initially the 4-2-2, hen the 4-2-3-1 system, while initially he enjoyed success in England, but soon teams got better of him, for his methods were never to change. The calls for new a set up (and a new manager as well) were deafening. Wenger changed first to 4-3-3 and then to 3-4-3, which gave Arsenal wins in nine of the last ten matches. The new formation suited players like Aaron Ramsey, Hecor Bellerin, Granit Xhaka and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain whilst providing space for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to exploit.
2. Sanchez became world beater
While he was a genuinely good winger until last season, Sanchez truly became a world class attacker, thriving both in his usual wide position as well as leading the line, amassing 29 goals and 18 assists.
Getting his contract extended is THE absolute priority this summer!
3. Oxlade-Chamberlain might just have realised his potential
Oxlade-Chamberlain has played as the winger, fullback, central midfielder and wing back, and has been a revelation this season, performing well wherever he was deployed.
If three at the back stays, his composure and dribbling abilities make him a perfect wing back, his competiton with Bellerin might just get the best out of both of them. He can also fit in the engine room and become a good box to box midfielder next season.
4. Rob Holding You Know…….
What an absolute bargain for £2million! A gem of a defender.while he is busy keeping attackers like Eden Hazard and Sergio Aguero in his pockets, his ball playing ability, composure and aerial prowess is refreshing to see. After a long time, we have such depth at the back.
5. Signings needed, not overhaul
There’s quality and depth in the Arsenal squad and while there are areas of improvement, Arsenal can have a less busier summer getting players in. Wenger addressed the need of a spine last summer bringing in Xhaka and Mustafi. With the impending transfer of Sead Koalsinac, and the players returning from loan – Szczesny, Wilshere and Chambers, Arsenal should go for a striker and a creative midfielder, and possible replacements if any of the three leave. It should be the end of road for Gibbs, Debuchy, Jenkinson, Campbell and Ospina, neither of them being top level players. Lucas has impressed and should be kept (and given more game time).
