Mikel Arteta is the second manager that Arsenal has named since Arsene Wenger left the Emirates.
The Gunners must have expected to be doing better under a new manager when they split with the Frenchman after over 20 years at the helm.
However, they are yet to return to the top four and even more damning is that they are on course to finish this campaign worse than Wenger’s most unfortunate season at the club.
The Frenchman’s last year at the club was his most-frustrating as they missed out on the top four.
They finished 6th on 63 points, but the current Arsenal team will have to go on a run like a Premier League-winning team would do before they match that haul.
Sun Sports calculates that the Gunners will have to win 9 of their remaining 13 games and lose just one of those matches before they can match that season.
Arteta’s team can kiss their Champions League hopes goodbye now unless they win the Europa League.
But finishing this season below Wenger’s worse season is truly unacceptable considering that the club spent so much in the last two summer transfer windows.
After winning the FA Cup, Arteta may have bought himself some time, but he surely has to deliver top four football next season or at least the Europa League trophy.
Unrealistic!!! To set that high a target for this team only serves the “doom and gloom” pundits! . We need cover at Left Back, need a Right Back, need an Attacking Midfielder & cover, need to sort out the 3 attacking positions. For a team that seemed to have a wealth of attackers a few seasons ago, the outlook has become dismal again. I still believe in Arteta. I see progress. However, there is only so much that you can do in a season!
Or “REALISTS” Who see it as it is and not as they dream it will be.
And now 11th in the table but the progress is clear to see 😝
Be careful what you wish for…as the saying goes.
Well Ken, most Gooners were very careful to wish for Wengers exit and most of us for long before it finally happened.
Unlike you, many of those still think the massive decline started under Wenger and that some of his hopeless players are still holding us back even now. And others who have mercifully left, have cost us millions in fees and wages no longer available to properly replace them.
Spot on Roger. THIS realist- and realists DO live in the REAL world, unlike fantasists and doom mongers – much endorses your sensibly realistic post.