Arsenal’s point at Old Trafford last weekend against Manchester United, all but assured Arsene Wenger’s men of third place and ensures they will miss those tricky qualifiers and will begin next year’s European campaign in the group stages.
For all of The Gunners’ improvement this term they have still come up short where it really matters; over ten points behind leaders Chelsea and seemingly destined to finish behind runners up Manchester City.
It has been well documented that Arsenal’s wait for a league title is now over a decade, since ‘The Invincibles’ in 2003-04, Wenger has been unable to build a side capable of finishing top of the pile.
With the season almost reaching its conclusion, where can Arsenal look to improve in the summer to give them a real chance of challenging Chelsea next term?
In between the sticks seems a place that Wenger is almost certain to improve, Wojciech Sczcesny, through a combination of off-the-field misdemeanours and lack of form, lost his starting place and the recent incumbent of that spot David Ospina has hardly exuded confidence from his goal line.
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It has been an area that The Gunners have struggled in for what seems like an eternity, in comparison to all of their competitors they are streets behind. Petr Cech has been linked with a move to The Emirates and acquiring the Chelsea stopper would give finally give The Gunners a dominating presence to marshal presence and one of the top keeps in European football will no doubt improve their credentials.
In defence, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker seemed to have finally forged a solid defensive pairing, but even the staunchest Per fan would struggle to argue he is good enough for where Arsenal must aspire to be.
Debuchy and Gibbs are dependable full backs and Chambers has provided a glimpse into the future with some promising performances this term. With another year’s experience behind him, the former Southampton man will look at next year being his real breakthrough one.
In midfield The Gunners are over populated with different versions of the same player, Wenger must look to add bite to his, at times, passive midfield, Flamini has been criminally off the pace for much of his second spell and his position should be one that his high on the list for potential replacements.
In attacking areas, Arsenal must improve. Olivier Giroud has been a revelation this season but there are still question marks over his ability to be their main man. Welbeck’s first season has been a relatively underwhelming one and further bolstering their striking options will ensure they are serious challengers come next August.
In short, Arsenal just need players, although of course there are particular areas that need strengthening more than others; it is more important they are simply improving as a side. They cannot stand still, Chelsea will look to improve on the side that strolled to the title and both Manchester clubs are surely readying a summer spending spree.
If Arsenal remain motionless they will once again be left behind, they are close to a side that can truly compete and they must not waste this opportunity to return to the top of English football.
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