For four consecutive seasons, Manchester City became champions of the Premier League. This dominance emphasized the strength and work system of the team nicknamed “The Citizens” in the coaching era of Josep Pep Guardiola.
In order to break down Man City’s dominance in the Premier League, every competing team in the Premier League needs to improve. One way of improving this is by building balance and depth in a capable squad.
Of course, behind the depth of the squad there is also a standard and solid teamwork system. This work system includes an identical team playing philosophy and also the team’s way of working in responding to various situations in each season.
For example, how the team behaves when facing a storm of player injuries and a tight match schedule.
Apart from Liverpool in the era of Coach Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal under the guidance of coach Mikel Arteta is slowly starting to approach and shake Man City’s dominance. Two seasons in a row, Arsenal disrupted Man City’s dominance.
In the 2023/24 season, Arsenal could actually break down Man City’s dominance. However, Arsenal slipped at the wrong time.
Precisely towards the end of the season, where Arsenal suffered defeat at a time when Man City was at a point of consistency.
As a result, Arsenal, who was at the top of the standings, was crucified by Man City. At the end of the story, Man City emerged as champions and Arsenal had to settle for sitting in second place in the final Premier League standings.
Last season was a valuable lesson for Arsenal. In order to break down Man City’s dominance, Arsenal needs to have a balanced squad. At the very least, Arsenal must have a truly solid squad to face various situations.
Inevitably, in the current player transfer market, Arsenal is again hunting for new players. Young defender from Italy, Ricarddo Calafiori has signed an official contract with Arsenal and will reportedly join Arsenal on a pre-season tour of the United States.
Calafiori has the character of a versatile defender, who can be placed at left wing back or center back.
Then, Calafiori’s advantage is that he doesn’t hesitate to move the ball from the defense area to the front area, which suits Arsenal’s style of play under Arteta’s control.
Then, Arsenal is also interested in bringing in midfielder from Spain, Mikel Merino. Merino, who is one of the backbones of the Spanish national team that won the 2024 European Cup trophy, is Arsenal’s target to strengthen the midfield sector.
In terms of age, Merino, who is 28 years old, already looks mature as a footballer. He became one of the most important backbones with Real Sociedad last season. His maturity can provide additional energy for Arsenal’s midfield.
Arsenal’s intention to bring in Merino from Sociedad was evident when they were willing to release Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham. By releasing Smith-Rowe, it means that Arsenal has relief in terms of player salaries which are regulated according to Financial Fair Play rules.
In general, Arsenal’s target so far is to strengthen the squad composition that has been built in the last three years. Several players have earned regular places and are difficult to replace in Arsenal’s game scheme.
However, Arteta needs back-up players whose quality is commensurate with regular players amidst the tight competition played out during one competitive season. In this case, squad depth is really needed in order to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the season.
Arsenal’s squad depth will be the key to challenging Man City’s dominance again in the 2024/25 season. It could also be a way to make Arsenal continue to appear consistently in one season.
The relatively selective recruitment of players in the current player transfer market means that in general Arsenal already has a solid work system.
Perhaps Arsenal’s next homework is to find a striker with an instinct for goals. Last season, Gabriel Jesus was often injured so Arteta tried to play Kai Havertz, but the tactic failed.
For this reason, Arteta needs to find a striker who can support the quality of the existing squad and at the same time support the work of Gabriel Jesus.
In general, what remains for Arsenal is how to maintain the consistency that began to develop last season and strengthen it so that they can compete closely against other teams in the Premier League next season.
ASL
