Arsenal will look back at the season gone with immense regret as they let a glorious opportunity of becoming Premier League champions once more slip through their grasp.
The Story
It was a strange campaign for the Gunners, that culminated in a first top two finish since 2005. Over-taking fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur on the final day was a slight consolation to what was an abject season that saw the North London club finish 10 points behind surprise champions Leicester City.
Sitting top of the pops at the beginning of January and with the league’s top dogs enduring horror years, the Gunners were well placed to claim a first league title in 12 years.
Back-to-back draws at Liverpool and Stoke, followed by a narrow loss to Chelsea were the first sign’s of those familiar mental frailties resurfacing that threatened to de-rail the Gunners’ title push.
A dramatic 2-1 win over Leicester, courtesy of a last gasp Danny Welbeck header, saw the Foxes lead cut to two points and a potential momentum shift in the title race. That was short lived, however, as crushing consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Swansea, followed by FA Cup and Champions League exits, left Arsenal’s season in tatters.
Inconsistency plagued the team for the remaining two months of the campaign, as fan discontent boiled over when the realisation of another spectacular capitulation began to sink in.
Arsenal ended up on 71 points, their lowest tally since 2012.
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Key Player – Mesut Ozil
Ozil enjoyed his best campaign in an Arsenal shirt, showcasing why he was one of the best No.10s in world football.
Desperately unlucky not to make the PFA Team of the Year, the German created the most chances (146), registered the most assists (19) and netted six times in a campaign he finally blossomed after a difficult first two seasons.
The former Real Madrid man’s artistry and vision was a joy to watch throughout and was a class above the rest of his teammates, who criminally failed to capitalise on the playmaker’s astounding creativity.
The absence of a centre-forward with a ruthlessness in front of goal means Ozil’s gifts will never be fulfilled to their maximum potential.
Honourable mentions also go to Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal and Petr Cech, who all had excellent seasons.
The Manager
This was undoubtedly the most turbulent season in Arsene Wenger’s 20-year career in North London.
A decision not to sign a single outfield player in the summer was met with fierce criticism and one that ultimately he was left to rue, as a lack of quality and depth in key areas cost his side dearly.
The Frenchman’s unwavering faith in his players proved to be his downfall once again, as certain individuals let their manager down during crucial junctures of the campaign. Wenger’s inability to install a resilient, win at all costs mentality within the squad and his tactical inflexibility continues to hinder Arsenal from seriously competing domestically and in Europe.
The Gunners glaring deficiencies, such as a soft defensive centre and a lack of strong leadership among it’s ranks falls back on the Wenger, who continually refuses to rectify these areas.
Even the free-flowing free-scoring style that has been accustomed to Arsenal team’s down the years was scarcely recognisable.
With one year remaining on his contract and with the full support of the board, Wenger will have one more chance to salvage his somewhat tarnished legacy next season, in what could be his last hurrah.
Offseason Recruitment
With substantial cash reserves gathering dust in the club’s coffers, it is vital that money is now re-invested back into strengthen Arsenal’s under-performing squad.
The spine of the Gunners team needs an overhaul, with centre of defence, central-midfield and up front the key areas that require upgrading.
The impending arrival of Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Granit Xhaka will add much needed steel and leadership in the middle of the park.
A lack of goals was a major issue this season, so a natural goal scorer must be acquired to compliment the club’s abundance of creative outlets. With Per Mertesacker on the wrong side of 30 and the jury still out on Gabriel, a commanding presence along side Laurent Koscielny would be another welcome addition.
Retaining star man Alexis Sanchez should also be a priority, with the Chilean reportedly unhappy with his situation in North London. The futures of Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs also remain doubtful.
Grade
No mistake about it, this should of been the season Arsenal celebrated returning to the top of the English game.
In the end the Gunners threw it all away in meek fashion as a second placed finish papered over the cracks in what was a bitterly disappointing season.
The toxicity surrounding the club has never been worse as they are seen to be prioritising profits over performance.
Whether it be at board level, the manager or even the gun shy transfer policy, a change needs to occur from within if they are to break this cycle of underachievement, because the club is far too content with accepting second best.
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