Mikel Arteta will have been disappointed not to have challenged Liverpool more (Image: Getty)
Arsenal’s latest ill-fated Premier League title challenge officially came to an end on Sunday evening when Liverpool were crowned champions in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd. As plenty predicted before a ball was kicked this season, the ribbons draped on the Premier League trophy will in fact be red, just not the shade Mikel Arteta will have been hoping for.
Triumph in the Champions League will make up for Arsenal’s shortcomings in the league, should they progress past Paris Saint-Germain to set up a potential final against either Inter Milan or Barcelona. But it’s back to the drawing board as far as the Gunners’ pursuit for a first Premier League title in over two decades.
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Following Liverpool’s confirmation as league winners, Express Sport have detailed what Arsenal have to do to end their Premier League drought.
First and foremost, if the Arsenal board are serious about becoming title winners instead of challengers, it’s time for Arteta to be backed heavily. A clinical goal scorer should be the first position on the manager’s wishlist, with Viktor Gyokeres at around £68million emerging as a possible option. Meanwhile, adding depth in the backline is also key, with Dean Huijsen believed to be available for £50m this summer. Plus, the £51m addition of Martin Zubimendi to freshen things up in midfield. It won’t be cheap, but Arsenal need to prime their squad to be championship-winning ready.
Arsenal have now gone well over two decades without a title win (Image: Getty)
Bukayo Saka change needed after shortcomings this season
It might seem paradoxical, but to get closer, maybe Arsenal need to be playing Bukayo Saka less? He’s by far and away the north Londoners’ best attacking talent, but his injury around the turn of the year stunted any momentum they might’ve had. The Englishman played 24 of Arsenal’s opening 26 matches this season, including a start against League One Bolton Wanderers in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Less could be more for Saka and Arsenal next season.
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Finally, Arsenal have to keep the faith. Given Manchester City’s unexpected drop-off this season, the fact Arsenal weren’t the ones to capitalise will no doubt sting that little bit more, but perspective remains crucial for the capital club. It took Jurgen Klopp five full seasons to win his first Premier League title, with Arteta having been knocking on the door for the last couple of years. Belief and backing can go a long way in football.
