On the backdrop of a disappointing season, Arsenal made sure the transfer window was a chance for them to improve on key areas which they fell short in their previous season and now they are optimistic of securing the title.
Mikel Arteta has made progress in bolstering his squad ahead of the club’s return to European football.
Arsenal made key high-profile signings to increase squad depth as they will be involved in midweek European matches which call for squad rotation.
The Gunners are thirsty for a serious trophy after securing the Community Shield trophy in a thrilling showdown at Wembley Stadium in London.
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Manchester City was headed to a narrow victory after Cole Palmer’s 77th minute strike before Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard ‘s 11th minute stoppage time equalizer sent the match to a penalty shootout.
Arsenal won on penalties after Fabio Veira’s last kick proved decisive.
Disappointing season
Arsenal had a disappointing finish after they fell short towards the end of last season, giving away the title to Manchester City who won for a record fifth time in six seasons.
Arsenal suffered three consecutive draws against West Ham, Liverpool and Southampton which significantly increased the chances of City closing the gap on them
Manchester City’s depth of squad proved significant as key players stepped in and stepped up propelling them to a historic treble.
Arsenal lost out on all the four cups, The Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
Massive Positives for Arsenal
Arsenal will however go on to the next season on a high note. Mikel Arteta’s massive turn around at the Emirates can be witnessed after failing to secure UCL spot for consecutive seasons.
The Gunners, who finished second behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, have secured a Champions League place and will look forward to thriving moving forward.
Tracking on last season the gunners will go into the next season on a high having bolstered their squad in preparation for a busy season ahead.
Manchester City Experience
Since Spaniard Pep Guardiola took charge at the Etihad, he has proved to be a massive addition to the city after going trophyless in his first season, he went on to win the carabao cup after edging Arsenal with a 3-0 win kicking off his glorious run.
Pep Guardiola led the Cityzens to attaining a record of 100 points in the 2017-2018 season and went on to match neighbors United treble with a premier League, FA Cup and a triumph in the Champions League.
Injuries
Arsenal picked up various lessons having fallen short due to injuries from their key players. Thomas Partey had an injury that saw Mikel Arteta tinker the squad.
Other key players such as Gabriel Jesus who picked an injury while on international duty also proved to be too costly.
William Saliba’s injury was another shocker as the Arsenal defence proved to be too leaky without the Frenchman.
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Arsenal Key Signings
Due to injuries and lack of proper back-up in key positions it was time for Mikel Arteta to go out for new signings that will come with not only quality but stepping up on big occasions.
Arteta signed record transfers managing to get a transfer from Kai Havertz from Chelsea for a fee of 65 million euros Jurrien Timber from Ajax was another massive signing as Arteta looks to explore his options at the back.
Gunners also landed their top target, Declan Rice from West Ham with a record transfer fee of 100 million Euros and 5 million of Add Ons.
They now are now focused on the new season with reports indicating that Arteta may add some news signings as he offloads some tired players.
