Fans Point to Traumatic Defeat as Turning Point
Arsenal fans are attributing their team's current success to a devastating defeat against Manchester United twelve years ago. The 8-2 loss under Sir Alex Ferguson's management in August 2011 is now seen as a pivotal moment for the club.
Strange Yet Intriguing Theory Takes Shape
Although it may seem odd, it appears that the heavy defeat fueled a late transfer window frenzy for Arsenal. The club signed Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, and Park Chu Young in response to the traumatic loss.
The Impact of Arteta and Mertesacker
While Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker were successful players for the club, it is their contributions after retiring that have made the biggest impact. Arteta went on to become Pep Guardiola's assistant coach at Manchester City before returning to Arsenal as the manager in 2019. Mertesacker became the club's academy manager and has helped develop promising talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
A Fan's Insightful Observation
One Arsenal fan on Twitter pointed out this interesting chain of events, saying, "It’s funny how the most embarrassing defeat in our history led to us panic buying Arteta and Mertesacker, who now manage the club and academy and have turned the club’s fortunes around."
Supporters Echo the Theory
Other fans were quick to chime in, with one crediting Arsene Wenger for intentionally losing the match to force the club's hand in signing Arteta. Another fan expressed excitement for a potential revenge match against Manchester United this weekend.
Arsenal will have the chance to seek vengeance as they face off against Manchester United at The Emirates this Sunday at 4:30pm.
