This season may spell trouble for Manchester City if they fail to acknowledge Arsenal in their race to the Premier League title. The Gunners may not have had the best of transfer seasons with only two signings. But their improvement in quality over the years is one watch out for. Many have resigned to the belief that there is no one who can get the better of Man City in England. However, City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted that he is very much aware of their capability and will be staying on his toes.
Arsenal Compared to Klopp’s Liverpool
Arsenal’s current team has drawn comparisons to Jurgen Klopp’s iconic Liverpool team which was not built in a day. It is the Gunners who have clashed with Man City for the top spot for the past two seasons.
Klopp took nearly four years to get his hands on his first trophy at Anfield. He helped them win the Champions League in 2019 before going on to win the Premier League and a domestic cup double.
Emmanuel Petit believes Arsenal are following a similar path. The former Gunner has heaped praise on Edu and Arteta for their continued efforts in squad building. He further compared the gradual improvement process to Klopp’s Liverpool. Petit believes Arsenal are not far off in terms of quality as compared to Manchester City. There is firm belief that they can finally end their 21 years of wait to lift the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal’s Captain Situation
Arsenal may have at last resolved their captaincy situation since the decision to make Martin Odegaard the permanent captain back in the summer of 2022. Prior to that, disciplinary issues and untimely exits of the then captains were a regular theme.
In a span of three years, Arsenal had three different captains in Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, and Granit Xhaka. The latter two’s times as captains did not end on a good note. Aubameyang was ousted by Arteta and co after disciplinary issues. Xhaka, after being booed, mocked the Arsenal fans as he was getting subbed out.
The lack of stability in this department played its part in their inconsistencies and the dim period they suffered at the time. The North London club lacked a leader capable of not just leading by example on the pitch with consistency but also making his voice heard when needed to. This doesn’t necessarily have to be one person considering most elite teams have about half a dozen of said players.
It is by no coincidence, however, that an upturn in form coincided with making Odegaard the permanent captain. This is by means the only reason responsible for that however it played its part. Odegaard displayed some captain qualities in his debut season. He never left his opponents’ sides, gave out orders to teammates and always responded to the fans’ calls. After all this, it is not hard to think why Arteta made him the captain. Moreover, his commitment to the team invites never ending praise and respect from peers and fans alike.
As with all elite clubs there will always be a core of players heading up the leadership group irrespective of who wears arm band. The current Arsenal side has a variety of players with the necessary experience and personality to lead by example. These key attributes have seen them as one of Europe’s best clubs in the recent seasons. While they may not have achieved their goal of lifting a major trophy yet, with the presence of these crop of players they look more likely to make it happen sooner rather than later.
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