The season is just beginning to take shape

The Gunners have just closed out the 2024 part of their schedule for this season, and are successfully riding an eleven game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

To make a comparison to least year at this same time, in all competitions, the Gunners had 18 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats. This season the club has 17 wins, 7 draws and 3 defeats. To take those numbers a step  further, the 2023/2024 Gunners won 62% of their matches by the end of 2023, while this year’s squad has won 63% of their matches by the end of December. Obviously, these two first-halves of the two seasons are very comparable.

However, there are some concerns to discuss about the the second half of this season.

First of all, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu are missing from the current list of available players. Injuries and red cards have been Mikel Arteta’s major issues to deal with so far this campaign. With the club’s roster already thin at the start of the season, it was apparent from the beginning that any serious injuries would be devastating to the squad’s hope of winning trophies. Martin Odegaard went down for a bunch of matches, as did new boys Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori. Alex Zinchenko and Declan Rice were also missing for a few matches, and have just recently rejoined the team.  So, yes, Arteta has had to do a lot of line-up shuffling to do. Red cards also contributed to dropping points earlier in the season. With fingers crossed, this has not been a problem of late.

The good news, Arsenal has been able to bring two Academy players into the first team with terrific results. Midfielder Ethan Nwaneri and fullback Myles Lewis-Skelly have made major contributions while helping to fill the gaps caused by injury or suspension. The two teenagers are the future of this club, and both are already making people take notice.

Another concern is David Raya. The #1 goalkeeper has started 26 of 27 matches this season for the Gunners. The concern should be for him to have a break every now and then. Neto, acquired in the summer transfer window, has yet to play even one minute for the team this season.  Raya is the main man, however, every main man needs to be given a day off to keep him fresh. Does Arteta have a lack of  confidence in Neto? Of course, he is cup-tied in the Carabao Cup, so maybe we will finally see him in the FA Cup, or maybe not. Who knows?

A big question that is constantly asked, does Arsenal need a big-time striker in the January transfer window? Is Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus enough to get the job done? Maybe. A strong striker leading the front line might have produced some of the goals the team was unable to score at crucial times this season. However, on the other hand, the goals are coming from our two strikers. Combined, Havertz and Jesus have contributed a total of 17 goals. That number should be higher if golden opportunities weren’t missed. You be the judge. Does Arsenal need another big-time striker?

And finally, with Liverpool having such a remarkable season, the Gunners can not afford any more draws, especially against clubs that should be beaten. To catch the Reds, every point counts. Nothing can be given away. The Gunners have proven over the past two seasons they have the intestinal fortitude to dig deep and grind out wins. Winning 1-0 or 2-1 is perfectly fine. Not every match needs to be an offensive showcase. Only wins are important. Liverpool will have a rough patch in the near future, so Arsenal must be ready to pounce!

Thankfully, December was a terrific month for the Gunners because January will be extremely difficult with 9 matches to be played in those 31 days. With Arsenal alive in all four competitions, staying healthy, avoiding suspensions and scoring goals are absolutely a must.

The season is just beginning to take shape! COYG!

Gunner1953