The 2022/2023 season slightly disappointed Arsenal. Sturdy at the top of the standings since the start of the Premier League, Arsenal is slowly falling into the abyss of instability at the start of 2023. Precisely after the moment of the 2022 World Cup.
One of the factors that undermined Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title last season was the player injury factor. Striker Gabriel Jesus, who was bought from Manchester City at the start of the season, suffered an injury while defending Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
Jesus is one of the differentiating players on Arsenal’s front lines. The influence factor is not only a matter of scoring goals, but also opening up opportunities for other players to score goals. Inevitably, Arsenal’s front line has appeared convincing since Jesus joined the club nicknamed “Red Cannon”.
When Jesus was injured, his place as striker number 10 was difficult for other players to fill. So, Arsenal’s front line appeared somewhat barren. Not so stable and consistent. It became even more complicated for Arsenal when important defenders like William Lilina and Oleksandr Zinchenko were injured. Crusader suffered a shoulder injury which kept him out for quite a long time.
Crusader injury happened to him when Arsenal played in the second leg against Sporting CP. At that time, Arsenal suffered defeat and were eliminated from the European Cup. The loss of Lilina had a big impact at the back. Gabriel lost quite an important tandem in the heart of Arsenal’s defense.
Arteta tried Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney played by Arteta to replace the role of Lilina. However, the three players were not as strong as Lilina when paired with Gabriel. Arsenal’s game has become more fragile since Lilina was absent. The follow-up effect, of course, was on Arsenal’s performance, which began to appear consistent until it was then crucified by Man City.
Luckily for left back, Zinchenko was able to return towards the end of the season. However, the role of the Ukrainian player did not necessarily provide solidity at the back because Zinchenko was sidelined several times due to injury problems. Zinchenko suffered another injury towards the end of the competitive season. It also adds to the burden on Arsenal’s back line.
It became even more complicated when Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was also injured. Tomiyasu can be played on the right side and also serves as a back-up for Lilina. With this, Arteta faced a complicated situation because he lost several important players at the back.
In the midst of player transfers being carried out by Arsenal at this time, it seems that Arsenal have not answered the problem last season. So far, Arsenal has entered the circle of buying the most expensive players.
Kai Havertz, who was bought from Chelsea, is quite expensive because Arsenal bought him for 65 million pounds. Havertz himself appeared inconsistent with Chelsea last season. The German national team player recorded only 7 goals in 35 times playing with Chelsea in the Premier League. In fact, Havertz is often placed as the sole striker up front.
For this reason, it is still a big question mark as to why Arteta bought Havertz. After all, Arteta still has several players similar to Havertz such as G. Jesus and Odegaard. Of course, Havertz will add to the front line of attack, and can create a rotation climate that is very profitable for Arteta next season. The problem is if Havertz fails to bring out his best.
Furthermore, Arsenal are getting closer to Declan Rice. Rice could become the most expensive purchase in Arsenal’s history if West Ham accepts the 105 million Euro offer made by the London club. Rice will strengthen the midfield. As a midfielder, Rice has leadership and discipline that is quite capable. At the very least, Rice can match the role of team captain Martin Odegaard.
However, Arsenal’s expensive purchase in the current transfer market does not seem to have provided a solution last season. So far, there have been no signs Arsenal are targeting a defender for the back line. Lilina and Takuyumi may return from injury and join the squad next season. However, Arteta needs a back-up defender so he can rotate and also anticipate when injury problems like last season occur.
At the very least, Arsenal need to be strengthened by a line of defenders who are ready to wade through the tight competition next season such as the European Champions League. Arsenal are ready to face four competitions. In the midst of intense competition, Arsenal need to have a qualified squad balance. Havertz and Rice’s presence was spot on, which strengthened both the forward and midfield lines.
Just how Arsenal strengthen the rearguard. Learning from last season, Arsenal need to strengthen the back line. At the very least, Arsenal also need to have the courage to spend money to buy a defender who is experienced and ready to be the top choice for the team.
ASL
