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Arsenal: What to do to challenge for the title next season

By Uzair Madhani

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal has had a disappointing season. Seemingly destined to finish sixth in the league, and with a new manager on the way in the summer, it promises to be a tumultuous off-season for the Gunners.

Arsenal has lurched from one problem to another all season. From the contract disputes with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil last summer to their horrid away form in 2018, it has just been one problem after another.

They failed to defend the FA Cup, getting eliminated by Nottingham Forest in the 3rd Round. They did not qualify for the Champions League this season, and their chances of getting back next season are limited. Key players are up for contract renewals, and many recent signings have performed underwhelmingly.

You have to go back to the 2004 ‘Invincible’ season for Arsenal’s last Premier League title. Over the years, their challenges have ended sooner and sooner. The Gunners need to act decisively to arrest this slide, and this summer will go a long way towards deciding how the next season plays out for them.

Choose wisely

This is uncharted territory for Arsenal. At the end of this season, after 22 years in charge, Arsene Wenger is stepping down as manager.

Arsenal’s game against Manchester United this weekend is a stark reminder of what can happen if the correct successor is not chosen. Many names have been floated to replace the long-serving Frenchman, and only hindsight will tell if the Gunners’ board makes the right decision. The names floating around include Max Allegri, Leonardo Jardim, Mikel Arteta, and Luis Enrique.

The important thing is that Arsenal needs to avoid the mistake Manchester United made when they appointed David Moyes. The incoming manager should not be one nominated by Wenger. His input, naturally, should be considered, but it cannot be the deciding factor. The Arsenal board needs to carefully analyze each candidate, in order to mitigate the risk of the appointment.

A poor managerial appointment can derail a season before it begins. The new boss’ honeymoon period will not last long. If he begins poorly or loses the confidence of the players, it will lead to another long, arduous season for the Gunners.

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