Will Arsenal Finally End Their Big Trophy Hoodoo?
Arsenal is one of the greatest football clubs in England with a rich history but of late, the team has struggled to clinch a title, particularly the Premier League. This season, however, there is a growing feeling among the fans as well as the critics that the Gunners might end their dreadful spell in the tournament and clinch a major title.
Recent Improvements
Since the appointment of Mikel Arteta as the head coach, Arsenal has changed its style of play and the quality of its squad. The team has slowly transformed into a side that dominates their opponents as seen by their pressing and the quality in possession. Players such as Declan Rice brought physicality to the team’s midfield, and the duo of Gabriel and William Saliba at the back can now be considered one of the best pairings in the league.
Arteta’s philosophy based on a solid backline and an exciting frontline is beginning to bear fruit. This team has developed greater control in games and they are also more tenacious when the going gets tough—something that has been a major problem in previous seasons.
The improvements have been evident, as seen in their impressive run to second place in the 2022/23 season, where they pushed Manchester City until the final weeks and then last year as well when they dominated the League only for Manchester City to go on a monstrous run in the second half of the season to pip them to the League title.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the improvements, winning a major trophy will be no easy task. The Premier League is more competitive than ever, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Manchester United all strengthening their squads during the transfer window. Spurs, in particular, will be a significant challenge under the new management of Ange Postecoglou, who has already made bold moves in the transfer market.
Also, Arsenal has not performed well in the crucial moments, which was evident in the recent past. Last season they failed to perform in the last few games which were very important had they won they would have been crowned champions. The Gunners will need to be mentally tougher to beat teams such as Manchester City and Liverpool away from home if they eventually want to win the league.
European Ambitions
Arsenal’s return to the UEFA Champions League in the last couple of years also presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Competing on multiple fronts will test the depth of the squad, but it also offers a chance to end their European trophy drought. The Gunners have come close in the past, reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League in 2019, but they will need to improve their performance on the continental stage if they are to be considered serious contenders.
Conclusion
The Gooners supporters will also be looking forward to the Tottenham Hotspur fixtures. The rivalry is starting to take a new shape now. Two promising manager’s with two promising squads going head-to-head. The bigger picture though for Arsenal will be to end their major trophy drought and give their fans to finally cheer about something.