Former Arsenal icon Kevin Campbell has admitted that his ex-side got 'schooled' last time out against Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace but reckons it could be a different outcome this time around on the 2022/23 Premier League opening day.
Mikel Arteta's side narrowly missed out on a top-four spot to their north London rivals Tottenham after defeats against Palace, Newcastle United and Spurs condemned the Gunners to a fifth-placed finish, meaning UEFA Europa League football next season. In order to keep up with the superior teams who finished above Arsenal in 2022/23, Edu and the board have only responded so far with the signing of Brazilian and São Paulo youngster Marquinhos.
However, the red side of north London are expected to explode into life in this current summer's transfer window at some point soon with moves for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans and Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey in the pipeline. Two signings which will help alongside the purchase of a new No. 9 to replace Alexandre Lacazette and which could propel Arteta's side to a greater points tally in 2022/23 in comparison to the 69 they achieved last campaign, which in the end was not enough to achieve Champions League football.
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Obviously, the lost points late into the latter points of 2022/23 weren't the only contributing factor to determining Arsenal's European destiny. The dismal start to the last campaign which included losses back to back versus Brentford on opening night, Chelsea and Manchester City put the Gunners on the back foot straight away.
Thankfully, this time around, they have been given a slightly easier fixture schedule to kick off in the early parts of August, with none of the so-called 'big six' present in the opening five games.
Therefore, Arsenal should have a good start to the new season, which for them gets underway at Selhurst Park, a stadium that supporters hold mixed memories of. One thing for certain is Vieira and his Eagles will be no pushover, as shown by what happened in the 3-0 win for the south Londoners.
It was a performance that Campbell reflected on as he made his prediction for what he thinks will happen this time around. Although being 'schooled' in the last encounter, the former striker holds somewhat higher hopes for Arteta and his youthful side on the Friday Night Football fixture for 2022/23.
"Crystal Palace is going to be tough one because Arsenal went there last season and got schooled, and sorted out," Campbell told Sky Sports.
"Patrick Vieira has done a good job but hopefully it’ll be a different Arsenal this season. Friday Night Football is always exciting to start the season off and hopefully, the form will be better than it was last season because it’s going to be a tough one - a London derby."
Arsenal fans- Do you think the Gunners will fare better this time at Selhurst Park on this Premier League curtain-raiser? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section below!
