Last season, Arsenal showed much promise but fell away in a manner that stung. The fifth-place finish was an improvement from the previous season, but they should have held for a fourth-place finish, which would have given them a Champions League berth. A lack of depth and genuine quality in key positions were the obvious reasons that led to such a disappointing finish. Such issues are the ones Mikel Arteta has attempted to correct during the summer transfer window. The additions of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, deemed expendable by Pep Guardiola, present exceptional value additions to a squad looking to finish in the top four in the 2022/23 season. Jesus has been flying during pre-season, adding quality to the center-forward position they have lacked for a long time.
William Saliba’s returned from his loan from Olympique Marseille. While his return has gained few headlines, his exceptional season in France proves he could fill an obvious gap between Ben White and Gabriel at center-back. Fabio Vieira, signed from FC Porto, is viewed as a long-term prospect and adds a lacking dynamic in the Gunners’ creative arsenal. While more arrivals are unlikely with the Premier League starting in a week, Arsenal looks to have solved most of the glaring issues they struggled with last season. Their squad looks good enough to push them over the line and help them compete with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. The Emirates is an extreme environment, but there is every reason to justify optimism going into the season.
Mikel Arteta turned 40 four months ago, and his two and half years in charge have shown that he is good enough to take Arsenal back to their glory days. While much of his tenure resembles a horror story, the recent chapters of the weighty book bring the hope of a happy resolution. Arsenal are currently playing how Arteta wants them to: a rapid tempo, swift positional interchanges, and less predictability in the attack. As they improve and the young squad gains more experience, Arsenal’s star will keep rising. Arteta has been strongly backed by the club’s hierarchy, even when his position was heavily scrutinized. Despite that, it is expected that Arsenal should return to the Champions League scene soon.
After a late collapse last season, it is time for Arteta and his troops to deliver. Undoubtedly, the quest for Champions League places will get stiffer. Chelsea and Spurs look to solidify their places in the top four, as are Liverpool and Manchester City. Manchester United will look to break back and are expected to mount a thorough challenge to break into the top four. While it is difficult to predict where Arsenal will finish at the end of the Premier League campaign, there is optimism that this season will be better than last. However, Arsenal fans must exercise caution concerning their ambition and hopes for this season. The Premier League is the toughest in the world, and anything can happen, including another collapse like last season. Nevertheless, exciting times lie ahead for the Londoners.