Arsenal’s drop from top spot at Christmas to fourth in the new year was a marker for their dipping standards and this will form a major part of the title challenge talk in the new year and all the way in the January transfer window. There are those who feel Arsenal’s troubles can be solved by strengthening the team, while there are those, especially the Arsenal hierarchy, who believe the team is well constituted as is. Much of what Arsenal does to the team in January will also heavily depend on how compliant they are with the Financial Fair Play rules. Financial Fair Play has been the biggest nightmare to clubs’ ambitions, especially the traditional big spenders, who now can’t spend freely even if earned. While at it, it remains a necessity for teams like Arsenal that to be able to compete, they have to spend, and to spend, they may have to sell. How then do they get the requisite returns from sales, to be able to acquire the players they need? And do they have players to sell that can guarantee the needed returns to keep revitalizing the squad?
Bounce back
Arsenal left for warm-weather training in Dubai on the back of three straight defeats and will be expected to bounce back in their next game when they face Crystal Palace. That is a necessity for them to at least stay in the top four and keep their title hopes alive in the wake of falling five points behind league leaders Liverpool. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is restricted by injuries to a number of key players but whoever is in the squad should be able to well replace the injured ones. Thus the narrative of fringe players should cease existing for clubs that wish to compete for honors, like Arsenal. It is only by doing quick business in January to ensure a good balance in the team, that top football bookies across the UK as ranked on Cheekypunter will once again rate Arsenal as serious title contenders. The Gunners will also hope that the injury situation improves, to be able to get the best from their available players. A top signing like Jurrien Timber, for example, hasn’t repaid the investment the Gunners put in, after his early season injury, but his imminent return will be a massive boost.
Better fortunes
While the Gunners hope for better fortunes with injuries, they also need to pray for the same on the pitch. Their three straight defeats during the festive season were highlighted by a high number of chances created but not converted. Stats show the team scored just once from 63 shots during this period. Even with a new forward, as has been touted for the team, with such wastefulness there won’t be much change, and Arteta should know that, as he works on improving the team’s fortunes. One tweak Arsenal need to think about is the game time afforded to Kai Havertz, a big-money summer acquisition from Chelsea. After a disappointing start to his time at Arsenal, perhaps Arteta needs to consider giving other players a similar level of confidence and time on the pitch.
