The Premier League fixtures come out shortly, so we thought we’d take a look at Arsenal’s opening fixtures in recent seasons…
4. 2016/17
In 2016/17 Arsenal were handed a particularly tricky fixture, taking on Liverpool at the Emirates. Despite some encouraging play, with Santi Cazorla impressing in central midfield as a second half substitute, the Gunners were on the wrong side of a seven goal thriller.
Arsenal were again left embarrassed following a lack of investment over the summer that saw the London club start the game with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding at the heart of their defence.
Despite the relative inexperience of the backline, Arsenal led the game by a single goal before Coutinho replied just before the break. Having conceded before half time, one would have thought Arsenal had sufficient time to regroup and respond.
However, Liverpool hit three more past the Gunners in a 15 minute salvo that obliterated Arsenal’s hopes of a positive result. Two late goals made the score-line respectable. Yet, Arsenal again demonstrated their infuriating lack of ability to prepare.
Arsenal’s results speak of a club that is negligible in their preseason preparations. Although Wenger is quite vocal and insistent about the importance of a strong preseason camp with little in the way of PR stunts and activities, Arsenal have had to play along with the overseas media circus.
Yet, it is not unreasonable to suggest that Wenger often fails in his own preparations; inadequate recruitment paired with granting players additional holiday time and struggling to integrate new signings with the current squad have all commingled to thwart the club’s long-term title aspirations.
On the 14th of June, Arsenal will discover who they will play on the opening day of the season. That will give them roughly two months to prepare. If they are to compete this season, then there can be no excuses on the opening day of the season. The squad must be assessed. Players must be fit. Transfers must be done. Friendlies must be utilised to establish a style of play and to integrate new signings.
The boss must take control; otherwise, one would imagine that the booing and chants may be more raucous and damaging than ever before.