Is the 2022/2023 season “do or die” for Mikel Arteta?
As the Gunners field general enters his third full season leading the team, Arteta is facing several challenges to reach the club’s short-term goal of once again playing in the Champions League.
In my opinion, here’s what he needs to do…
First, he has to complete this summer’s transfers. There are a few more to add, and a lot more to go.
Second, he needs to get this season’s squad match day ready, and acclimated to his tactics and motivated to produce a solid season.
Third, he needs to find a way to improve the club’s 2021/2022 record v the perennial top five Premier League clubs – Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea. The Gunners record in all competitions v the top five least season was a dismal 3 wins, 1 draw and 8 defeats. Obviously, this is not even close to good enough, plus, these clubs are also working hard in this summer’s transfer window to improve their squads as well.
Fourth, Arteta needs to develop consistency. Last season there were too many peaks and valleys during the season. The Gunners would have a strong run of games, then hit the skids and lose multiple matches in a row, and many times to lesser sides.
Fifth, our Spanish manager will also need to incorporate Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe into the mix. Will they remain super-subs and cup game starters, or will they have more prominent roles this season? Arteta will need to devise a suitable and productive rotation to make sure all of his resources are adequately utilized.
Finally, the boss has to get his squad to produce a lot more goals. Hopefully, the addition of Gabriel Jesus will be a start, however, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will need to increase their goal scoring productivity as well. There were so many blown goal scoring chances last season that ultimately hurt the club’s chance of overtaking Tottenham for 4th in the league’s final table.
Yes, Arteta has a lot to accomplish in the days, weeks s and month ahead, however, I remain optimistic for a really good season of Arsenal football, and you should too!
Is this the manager’s “do or die” season? As they say, only time will tell.
COYG!
Gunner1953
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Mikel Arteta, “At the moment we are fighting for the league again for two consecutive seasons. We had our first experience in the Champions League for the boys. We have come quite far, not as far was we want that’s for sure and we still want to improve.”
Leandro Trossard, “The resilience has been brilliant. It is always tough when you lose, especially after the run we had by winning so many games. It’s up to the boys to show character and the mentality. We did that today (Sunday). All we can do is focus on ourselves.”
