WHEN you come back from a protracted break that Mikel Arteta seemingly finally found a winning formula before it, you can forgive Arsenal supporters’ confidence for the restart of the Premier League.
Four short days later, after two humbling defeats and worrying performances, the mood is altogether different in the Gooner community.
So much so that when asked by your editor to write a piece in around 400 words, on what has gone wrong and what sort of overhaul is needed, your initial reaction is that it is not possible in so few words!
Nevertheless, from my Arsenal gut here are some initial thoughts:
HELP FROM ABOVE
I still believe Arteta is the right man for the job, but he needs a more consistent agreed approach from those above him.
Short-termism seems to reign, and deals are being done, on the hoof, with no apparent planning.
The Club need to decide who oversees working with the coach on what is needed, Raul or Edu and a clear vision MUST be decided upon.
NO LEADERS
Arsenal, more than ever, deprived of Granit Xhaka, have no legitimate leaders on the pitch.
Yes, there are a few experienced campaigners, but they are NOT leaders and Aubameyang may be a talisman for obvious reasons, but he is no captain.
SEASONED CAMPAIGNERS
The team/squad need to recruit experienced players, ideally with Premier League experience to steady things in the dressing room and particularly on the pitch, when things are not going well.
I do not mean the likes of Luiz or Cech, towards the end of their careers, I mean, campaigners still at their peak who would relish the opportunity to step up and thrive at The Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta himself did in 2012.
There are numerous examples of the type of professional that, whilst not exciting the whole fan base, would improve us and strengthen our weak underbelly.
S-TARK CONTRAST
Two prime examples would be a no-nonsense old-style central defender to play with Saliba, such as Burnley’s James Tarkowski and a combative, all action central midfielder like Southampton and Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg.
At 27 and 24 respectively both players are experienced but not yet in the peak years for their positions and both are in the current Arsenal price bracket and would jump at the chance to move to a bigger club.
LEADING THE YOUTH
Combative, whilst still talented leaders such as this (only two examples) are what is needed to blend with the club’s rare crop of talented, emerging youth.
Adams, Rocastle, Merson, and Thomas had their O’Leary, Davis, Sansom and Lukic to assist them to grow and flourish.
Saka, Saliba, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli and Nelson will need the same experience and leadership to lean on.
It is not there at present and this must be addressed.
FLOG BELLERIN
Lastly, given the likely budget available to Arteta, difficult decisions need to be made on selling players who can command good fees to replace them with hungrier players of the ilk I have described.
Cashing in on Bellerin, who I fear will not reach the ceiling we are anticipated might be one such call.
Arsenal are still a huge club and will come again but tough yet sensible footballing decisions need to be made NOW!
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/man-utd-and-liverpool-set-for-transfer-battle-for-10m-sporting-lisbon-wonderkid-nuno-mendes
