The gulf has stretched in the last decade, transforming into a hungry chasm.
Manchester City and Liverpool have both taken the initiative over the last two to three years and left the chasing pack with nothing but dust clouds to latch onto. Chelsea only won the Premier League three seasons ago and yet if we inspect their current situation – it is enough to dispirit even the most ardent optimist.
Chelsea possess some truly world-class players. Ngolo Kante, Antonio Rudiger, Kepa – all wouldn’t look out of place in most top European teams.
But heed their failures and you can see what it really takes to establish yourself with success in the modern era – an era which barely resembles its old self from a decade ago.
Replacing a player of the ilk of Eden Hazard was always going to be difficult, but they also failed to replace mercurial midfield talent too. The likes of Juan Mata, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas could conjure something from nothing, but instead they have the more industrial strengths of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. Not without their merits, but very different players.
A change in coach has heralded a change in tack from Chelsea – and most importantly, Roman Abramovich. No longer are they completely reliant on the Roubles he provides. They want to be self-sustaining – or as near as they can be without their new stadium plans. That means a certain air of frugality in the transfer market in comparison to how they acted in order to escape the realms of obscurity when he took over.
However, they’ve also recruited wisely. Timo Werner and Ziyech look like astute purchases.
All this combined has led to Chelsea still fighting near the top – but unable to keep up with Klopp and Guardiola.
As Gooners, we are also seeing two managers at the top of their game, duking it out at the same time, leaving others not so qualified or talented, feeding from the scraps left by the German and the Spaniard.
It makes for some pretty depressing reading when you look at the face of things. We all are hoping that the decision to bring in the fresh-faced Arteta, his belief in our values and most importantly, the testimonials of those who have worked with him, that this move will bear precious fruit if given time.
We see promising signs. Our destruction of United this season showed exactly the cornerstones of what Arteta wants. Pressure on the ball. Obtain possession high up the pitch and attack and defend as one. Responsible positioning – but most importantly, clear instructions for the players.
Something that was apparently lacking during Unai Emery’s tenure.
We are still in recovery, but can we hold out hope of a title challenge any time soon?
Next season – after this season in terms of growth for Arteta and the embedding of his tactics – will probably come too soon, but improvement is key. A top four finish and a shrinking of the gap would suffice for the majority – and it would also give his charges the evidence that this is working. Belief is key – but the proof is in the pudding… or top four.
A decent – and first – pre-season for Arteta could prove crucial. The more time he spends with his squad, the better we will become. You get the feeling that all of the players are completely behind him and his staff – and that is an excellent foundation to build from.
Pep Guardiola normally gets an itch and searches for pastures or challenges new after a few seasons and this is well overdue. For Jurgen Klopp? He’s now won the PL this season, his job will be mission accomplished and he will be so sought after, that he will definitely have his head turned by one of the bigger Euro teams.
Chelsea are rebuilding. Man United will look to plug some big gaps and will always have the resources to do so. It is vitally important that after our hiatus from the Champions League that we regain that position sooner rather than later. We are living off of our reputation right now when it comes to luring talent.
If you also take into consideration that our young stars will be one year older and wiser – and with a season of growth behind them – we will be stronger regardless of who is signed and who isn’t.
It is time to make some new memories.
The good times are coming, but we will need patience to see it bloom.
Up The Arsenal 
I admire your optimism, I’d like to be able to share your hopefulness to the full, but I find myself fence sitting until the squad becomes clearer after the transfer window.
I feel that if you were to apply the same microscope to Arsenal as you have to Chelsea then a touch of the rosiness may wilt from the vision of the future.
I agree that we have reason to be confident in the blossoming youth that have shown such promise this season. Some of the ‘stars’ have also shone on occasions. However we are still carrying players who are not of the calibre that we have grown used to and expect from “Arsenal” players. The defence is still lacking and the midfield is devoid of a general since the demise of Ozil.
From comments read and observed via social media, I believe that the majority of our support believe that Arteta should be given every opportunity to succeed with his plans and style of play. The real test will come when he tests the commitment of the board and more importantly the owner for financial backing.
It would seem that along with my own beliefs there is a common feeling amongst the Arsenal faithful that we desperately need an upgrade in the central defence and defensive midfield, along with that midfield general I mentioned earlier.
Like many others, I have my list of players in the current squad and those out on loan, whom we should move on because they regularly fall below the performance levels necessary to challenge for not only a Champions League spot but to regain the Premiership.
We need to shed those players for 3 reasons:
1. To bring in capital to finance the acquisition of desired replacements
2. To reduce the wage bill
3. To create places for (hopefully) incoming players
With all these requirements satisfied we can then judge the capabilities of Arteta and we can then confidently have optimism and a confidence for the future.
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I agree, but I think that Arteta can be responsible for squeezing an extra 15-20% from our current crop. We will improve our squad and allied with the above, I’m confident for the future. Will we do all we need to? If given time, but it will be spread over 2 seasons – just like Klopp did with his recruitment. Good to hear from you Leo.
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