Arsenal have flattered to deceive in recent years, finishing in consistent second position for three straight seasons, which will give the average fan an impression of a team that chokes when it matters the most.
Softfootball takes an analytical look to why the Emirate Stadium is yet to accommodate English football and indeed, Europe’s biggest prizes as Mikel Arteta plot a huge push for major titles this season.
Interestingly, there are deeply rooted reasons for the apparent failure of Arteta to clinch major trophies for Arsenal just yet despite the club’s sizable investment in top class players in over five years of his reign as Arsenal boss.
While many Arsenal fans rightfully believe the biggest issues the had last season were the attack and the team is in need of some firepower, they should not lose sight of an issue that is eating deep and needs critical surgery and improvement.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey don’t have age on their side and rightfully allowed to leave the Emirates this summer, while Declan Rice’s best qualities are realised as a box-to-box midfielder.
The arrival of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard provide the much-needed backup, with Rice and Mile Lewis Skelly able to provide cover in central midfield when needed. However, a look at the midfield personnel shows the dynamics in the area and the wealth Arsenal’s midfield possesses.
Zubimendi is the technical brain of the lot, one that can marshal the midfield on his own or with a partner, one that can kill an opponent with a thousand cuts and still look innocent doing it; every movement, pass, and touch is with a purpose.
However, Christian Norgaard is no slush, he should not be mistaken as just a rotational option. He is a press-resistant, no-nonsense midfielder with one of the highest duel-winning percentages in the Premier League last season, when he gets physical, when Arsenal needs to close shop, and he is the man for the job.
Let’s move to the energy and duel winning monsters in Mikel Merino and Declan Rice. While Rice can do the business as a defensive midfielder, Arteta believes his quality are better exhibited further up front, Merino is a box to box midfielder as he is energetic, adaptable, technically sound, loves a tackle and has an eye for goals.
Arteta said:
“It’s like shaking the tree again and bringing new faces. They bring new excitement, a new energy as well. We signed very important players. Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that’s what we’re seeking.”
Mikel Arteta on new signings:
“It’s like shaking the tree again and bringing new faces.
“They bring new excitement, a new energy as well.
“We signed very important players.
“Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that’s what we’re seeking.”
Gunners captain Martin Odegaard and young Ethan Nwaneri as his understudy, would constantly create solutions to every problem that could be presented by the opposition.
Yet, Arteta is not satisfied, reports suggest Arsenal are in for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze or another attacking midfielder. If the Gunners can pull this off, then a team that is already difficult to beat will become an opponent manager’s nightmare, especially if all personnel are fit and ready to play.
Arsenal are one of the favourite for the UEFA Champions League and premier league next season. They begin their 2025/26 campaign on August 17 against Manchester United.
