For the past few years, Arsenal’s has been a shaky house. There have been cracks all over, a leaky roof and creaky walls starting from the final years of Arsene Wenger and even after his departure, The Gunners haven’t had it right. It has gotten worse under Mikel Arteta, and it does seem an implosion is imminent.
Last season, Arsenal had their poorest campaign in over two decades and they aren’t playing any European football this term as a result. A poor preseason pointed to the troubles at the team but their transfer activity said more. With a clear need to sign attacking players, Arsenal went into the new season with the same front men as last season, or even worse, following Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos’ exits.
They expected different results with same script and so far, it isn’t working, going by their preseason and the opening defeat by Brentford. Tough times are ahead, with talks of a dressing room rift involving the manager Mikel Arteta, and a number of senior players.
With fans coming back after being locked out for the better part of last season, the way teams play is going to change a lot. While last season, home teams didn’t have much advantage, this time it could be much different and fans can compare football odds on Wincomparator as the new season kicks in.
Skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and French forward Alexander Lacazette missed the opening game of the season, as Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Brentford. The communication from the club was that the two were unwell but sources indicate the duo, and the manager don’t see eye to eye.
Right after the game, reports have emerged of apparent interest from Barcelona to sign Aubameyang, whereas in Italy it is reported that Antonio Conte, a free agent, is being looked at as a possible replacement for Arteta.
The Arsenal manager has been accused of being the polarizing figure at the team, with poor training tactics and generally poor man management skills. While the training tactics may be subject to doubts, there’s enough to prove he doesn’t relate quite well with players.
Disagreements with players have seen Arteta hound out Matteo Guendouzi on loan while the rift with Mesut Ozil is well documented and the handling of William Saliba still fresh in the fans’ minds.
Arteta, and his wingman, Football Director Edu have not managed to command the needed control in the transfer market and their ability to handle these two key positions has been questioned. For example, while the signing of Ben White was lauded, there are voices that feel getting a creative player would have made more sense.
The Gunners were so bad in defence last season and clearly a big investment wasn’t necessary in that department. Instead, they are still being linked with a move for Hossam Aouar, which looks unlikely just as the proposed deal to get James Maddison from Leicester City. They also failed to get Tammy Abraham signing after his open preference for the Gunners and the forward is now headed to Roma.
Arsenal were beaten by Aston Villa to a deal for Emiliano Buendia and they have failed in a bid to sign Aaron Ramsdale from a struggling Championship side, Sheffield United. That really says a lot about Arsenal and the people in the decision-making channels.
Fans coming back to the stadium will make matters even tougher for the manager and Edu. Last season they had the comfort of only dealing with dissenting voices on social channels; it won’t be the same this time. The implosion seems imminent, and it may just be what the club needs.
Avid music fanatic. Communicator. Social media expert. Award-winning bacon scholar. Alcohol fan.