Do you bear in mind the story that ended Leicester City’s 2015 Premier League season? Yes, they made historical past however earlier than that, everybody anticipated Claudio Ranieri’s males to finally crumble and slide down the desk. As we all know now, that did not occur and Fox gained the entire thing, giving the world one of many best-loved moments of the century.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have the identical vibes this season. Before the beginning of the season, nobody anticipated Arsenal to high the Premier League desk. With consultants saying that Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have a much better squad stability than the Gunners, they have been additionally thought of as high 4 contenders.
The north London membership, nonetheless, most well-liked to present their solutions on the sector. Losing simply as soon as in 17 matches, they’ve began the league with a bang. They drew twice and gained 14 occasions as they maintained their tight grip on the highest of the Premier League desk.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal scores a aim in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Amex Community Stadium on Saturday, December 31, 2022 in Brighton, England. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
They are taking part in stunning soccer with gamers like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, the injured Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard all stepping up and contributing to the trigger. And within the very long term, Arsenal really feel like a group that has an actual probability of going all the best way.
But glory continues to be far-off and in contrast to different seasons, this version of the Premier League is a bit totally different because of the World Cup break. The month-long event has already had a significant affect on Arsenal’s plans because it resulted in Jesus struggling a ligament damage. One of the signings of the summer season, the Brazilian has scored 5 occasions this season since arriving from Manchester City. It might not sound like a lot however his contribution in different areas of the pitch akin to maintain up play and defensive duties can’t be overstated. In his absence, Arteta wanted his alternative striker to step up. And Eddie Neketia has made the suitable transfer. The 23-year-old English ahead has scored in opposition to West Ham and Brighton in each video games since his restart. But you may’t assist questioning if a fast repair like this may work in the long term.
Arsenal’s Achilles heel got here to the fore on Tuesday evening once they got here up in opposition to a Newcastle facet who appeared set to frustrate Arteta’s males. And they have been profitable of their job with the Arsenal forwards struggling to discover a option to put the ball into the online. The match ended 0–0, however confirmed that even Arsenal, with all their attacking nature, could be stopped with the suitable ways. With two video games in opposition to second-placed Manchester City and Manchester United lastly arising, this comparatively younger Arsenal facet must preserve their cool in the event that they anticipate to go all the best way.
The subsequent few weeks shall be a testing time for the Gunners as they’ve a troublesome run of fixtures arising. In addition to the aforementioned City and United conflict, he additionally has to play Tottenham and have Europa commitments. Their closest challengers Manchester City have the squad depth that can guarantee they get out of this congested section, whereas Arsenal might should rethink their technique and purchase or mortgage out a couple of gamers to remain within the combine. May should
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, proper, greets teammates after scoring his IceDays 4 aim in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Amex Community Stadium in Brighton, England, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. Let’s have a good time collectively. (AP Photo/Alistair Grant)
One factor that can preserve Arsenal upbeat is the truth that their comparatively younger squad has the drive and talent to go all the best way. No one represents this greater than Martin Odegaard, their midfield engine. While his fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland has been hitting the headlines because the get go, Odegaard has been quietly going about his job, ensuring Arsenal’s midfield stays ticking.
However, the 24-year-old is once more the discuss of the city after his spectacular efficiency in opposition to Brighton on New Year’s Eve. He scored a aim in that match however his help to Martinelli was the second of the match that grabbed the headlines. Stationed in his personal half, Odegaard pinged an inch-perfect ball into the trail of Martinelli, who left Tariq Lamptey in his wake and scored. Odegaard’s gameplay has additionally drawn reward from United legend Rio Ferdinand who in contrast the playmaker to Mozart and prime Mesut Ozil. It’s actually onerous to think about how Real Madrid let go of this wonderkid for simply £30million.
With historical past on Arteta’s facet, not one of the groups at the moment main on factors at this stage of the season have didn’t win the title. The Gunners have an excellent probability to catch lightning in a bottle after 19 years. Smaller groups have damaged down and misplaced their heads, watching their title hopes go up in smoke. It is a hazard this younger Arsenal squad will hope to keep away from because the highway forward will get harder.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
