It is a dangerous thought process to start dreaming in a season that has already surprised you. It was already difficult to try and play down exactly what Arsenal have been achieving this season and for many, it remains a game-by-game, week-by-week situation.
However, with the transfer window, it suddenly became much more real, and Arsenal emerged far more accountable for potentially missing out on a title. The pressure to recruit and strengthen became non-negotiable, not to steal Mikel Arteta’s favourite terminology but it is the case.
We knew that if Arsenal didn’t bring in anyone this window, then the club would be risking their chance at the first title in 19 years. This came from last season’s disappointment and emotional trauma of seeing the winter window pass Arsenal by without a single senior signing for the current squad and then watching on as injuries to Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey cost the Gunners a place in the Champions League places where a signing might have covered part of their absence.
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Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior are however through the door and now there is a collective sigh of relief albeit with some questioning the window’s drawbacks. It wasn’t perfect but importantly the squad looks much better prepared to take on the run-in and, importantly, maybe more.
With the chase for the Premier League title in full focus the elimination from the FA Cup was somewhat shrugged off in quick fashion. Arsenal are the most successful side in the competition and fans have longed for bigger accolades than what the domestic trophy provides.
Europa League action returns in March, and many wondered how Mikel Arteta might tackle the UEFA competition. With three new players in and suddenly the manager has plenty of options at his disposal.
There’s hope that Gabriel Jesus could also be back in March too from his serious knee injury, although this remains pure optimism with a timeline somewhat elusive. But with Eddie Nketiah in such good form, the Brazilian may need European action to fight for his place back in the team.
Realistically a second-string Arsenal team could look something like this: Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard.
With Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, RB Leipzig and Freiburg among others the main threats for the title certainly there will still be scope for rotation, especially in a two-legged tournament.
It does feel though for the first time in a long time that Arsenal will be able to compete on multiple fronts barring any future injuries. Therefore when European action does return, Mikel Arteta has a great opportunity to fight on more than one front.
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