The 2022-23 season is edging closer, and Arsenal fans are already dreaming about what this coming season may hold for them. It doesn’t take much to get Gunners fans excited. Still, the reported signings of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha, along with the already announced deal for Fabio Vieira, highlight that Mikel Arteta has built on the strong squad he has built during his tenure.
It would appear that the Gunners board has opted to twist, just like players at the best online casino can with games, and have opted to back their manager with finances and new players this summer. But, with that additional spending, more will be expected of the team this term.
But what could a positive campaign look like for the Gunners?
Champions League Qualification A Must
With the money that Arsenal is predicted to spend over the next couple of months, the aim for the club must be to finish in a Champions League place. The Gunners really should have achieved that finish last season, as the fourth spot was in their hands before they fell apart at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.
Fans were fairly understanding of the capitulation at the end of the season, as they admitted that Arteta is still molding a squad. However, it could be an opportunity that they may live to regret.
Arsenal needs to finish in the top four this season. Otherwise, the wheels could come off the Arteta revolution at the club. The board will likely expect immediate results with the money being spent this summer, and it’s unlikely they can afford another campaign without the finances that the Champions League brings.
However, the race to finish in the top four this term will be more intense than ever, with the Gunners joining the host of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the race. Meanwhile, clubs such as Leicester City, West Ham United, and Newcastle may feel as though they can mount a challenge for fourth.
European Success
Arsenal’s biggest advantage in the 2021-22 season was that they were the only side in the race for the top four without the distraction of European football. That won’t be the case this season, as the Gunners will be competing in the Europa League.
It will be interesting to see how Arteta approaches the competition this season, as the tournament does offer the possibility of a piece of silverware, as well as a direct route into the Champions League.
The Arsenal squad isn’t strong enough to battle on two fronts, so at some stage, Arteta will need to prioritize. Depending on their league position, hedging their bets on the Europa League may be worthwhile, as fans will likely react well to the club winning a piece of silverware.
Traditionally, the Gunners have done relatively well in the Europa League, as they reached the final of the competition in 2019 before being beaten by Chelsea. As it stands, and with all their signings so far in the transfer window, the north London club looks odds-on favorites and ready to win the Europa League title.
Domestic Cup Runs
Arsenal has been spoiled in recent years with strong performances in the domestic cup competitions. Arteta won his first trophy with the club with an FA Cup success in 2020, and a repeat of that would at least show that they are getting back to the standard that fans demand.
Last season, the Gunners were unfortunate in the League Cup, as Liverpool eventually overpowered them at the semi-final stage over two legs.
However, they were extremely disappointed in the FA Cup, as Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest eliminated them in the third round. This season, a strong run in the cup will be expected, especially in the FA Cup, where the games are played over the weekend.
It will be interesting to see how seriously Arteta takes the prestigious cup competition when it gets underway in January, as it could potentially be their best chance of some silverware in the 2022-23 season.