Introduction
The dominance of Arsenal football club is still on a very high level, as they remain unbeaten in this current league campaign. So many people gave their thoughts last season, declaring that arsenal would only give a one season performance. This thought almost became true after the gunners lost the title to their rivals Manchester City that happens to be their strongest weakness.
The super dominance of Arsenal kicked off last season, where it took Mikel Arteta almost four years to prepare a team that has a fighting spirit. Arteta had to restructure the team by letting many players out and bringing in some. We saw arsenal lossing some top players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Héctor Bellerín, etc. Restructuring process wasn't easy, as Arteta had to plead with the fans to trust the process. The process was becoming too long until it can to pass last season.
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After missing out of the top four last two seasons, arteta needed some good signings that would help the team for the upcoming 2022/23 season. The signing of Gabriel jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester city were the major boost for them. Other players like Matt Turner, Fábio Vieira, Trossard, Jorginho and Marquinhos were also part of the signings for that season. We also saw William Saliba returning from a loan.
Arsenal had one of the best striking force, mid-field combination and defensive setup for last season. jesus, martinelli and Saka lead the arsenal's attack, Xhaka, Ødegaard and Partey owned the midfield, while Zinchenko, Saliba, Gabriel and White held the defense. This combination were fearless, as they won most of their games with this brilliant set up. Interestingly, all the players except the goal keeper scored last season.
Sadly, injury became a major problem to the gunners. Saliba's injury happens to cost them the title, as they conceded more goals in his absence. They were kicked out of the European competition after a big error occurred from their goalkeeper.
But what happened next after all the terrible incident last season ?.
2023/24 Season
The present season started with the transfer window. Arsenal made a signing of Declan Rice, David Raya(loan), Kai Harvertz and Jurrien Timber.
The season started with a positive result as arsenal encountered Manchester City for the Community Shield title. Cole Palmer of Manchester city gave city the lead, but a deflection strike by Trossard brought the game to a draw in the very late minute. It went on to penalty, where arsenal won it by 4goals to 1. Arsenal defeated City in the penalty shoot out to win the community shield.
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Knowing fully well that they are in this season's edition of the UEFA Champions League, they won their game against PSV Eindhoven by 4goals to nil. Goals from jesus, trossard, saka and ødegaard was enough for the gunners. But sadly, they lost their second ucl game putting them at the second position on the table of their ucl group. They will be away against Sevilla on Tuesday night for their next ucl fixture.
The third round of the EFL Carabao Cup took place some weeks back, where arsenal made it to the round of sixteen after defeating their london rivals Brentford. They will face westham in the round of sixteen fixture.
League
The invincible era is gradually showing face but not fully confirmed since the season is still fresh and there are still more games to be played. Arsenal hasn't lost any league game in this current season. They've literally played 9games, won 6 and drew 3. Though their north london brothers Tottenham Hotspur are also moving with the same momentum, but they are having their 9th game tomorrow.
Their style of play when compared to last season has been quite different. Last season, their purpose was to win matches in every way they could by playing with a high level of momentum that often resulted to decrease in momentum. They also lack the mentality to compete with others in any competitive related games. The 2023/24 season has been quite different for the gunners. Games that literally can't be won were best settled for draw.
They had an encounter with the current league champions Manchester City before going for the international break. Knowing fully well of how Manchester city have dominated Arsenal in the past years and arsenal failing to secure a win over them, so many people thought it was going to be a city's business as usual. Surprisingly, Arsenal came out victorious by securing all important three(3) points. A deflection goal from Gabriel martinelli was enough for the gunners in the +80mins of the game. Aside winning the match, arteta's tactics was very surprising, outplaying his former boss.
Unfortunately the gunners failed to replicate the same work force against chelsea in their london derby last saturday. They were quite sloppy in the game which made Chelsea to capitalize on the little opportunity they had. Saliba was punished harshly when a ball hit his hand which made the referee to award a penalty to Chelsea. The second goal for Chelsea came in when Raya made a terrible attempt in saving a long range shot.
Interestingly, arsenal came back late into the game when Declan Rice took advantage of Sanchez's error. Trossard who came on as a sub made the equalizer after receiving a cross from Saka. The winning/draw momentum seems to be a better way for the gunners instead of trying to win every match. Though the fans are yet to see what Kai harvertz could possibly bring to the table, but Mikel arteta has indeed done a great job in the last few years. They are still very much in this year's competitions, let's see how far they will go.
North London Forever 🎼🎶
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