Thomas Williamson
It is my belief that we are facing a very important summer. The most important summer during the Wenger reign. Maybe even in the history of the club. Or maybe not. Maybe this is just hyperbole. However as we survey the end of a season of frustration, it is my belief that this summer we are facing a uniquely dangerous set of circumstances, one that could blow us away unless we act with ruthless conviction to keep the club at the top table.
Chelsea’s disastrous season and the lacklustre seasons of the two Manchester teams creates a very risky situation for us. Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mansour and the Glazer family will simply not tolerate a repeat of this year, and are likely to spend big in an attempt to get back to the top of the pile. All three will have new managers next year, regardless of Van Gaal’s team delivering in the FA Cup final, and this will galvanise them in a way that could be devastating for Arsenal. All three are likely to make very serious bids for at least a top three place, and so we run a very real risk of being squeezed out of not only the title race, but the Champions League places all together.
And then we come to the wildcards and dark horses. Next season will see Tottenham boosted in money and prestige by playing in the Champions League. Their impressive young team could well push on to new things and will certainly make another serious bid for a top four place, if not a shot at the title. At Liverpool we will see what Jurgen Klopp can do when he has a full summer to get the players in that he wants and begins to mould the team in his image. Thirdly, we come onto the champions Leicester, who in a strange way will be next season’s unknown quantity. Will they be able to make a serious bid to retain the title? Will they compete for the top four? Will the pressure of the Champions League be too much for them? What is certain in my opinion is that Leicester will remain very dangerous at the top and will make a serious bid for a top six finish. And lastly we face Southampton and West Ham. If they can cope with the pressure of European football, then they could both make serious bids for top seven finishes again.
So there we have it. Next season we will see three wounded big beasts strike back, as well five other teams in possible contention at the top of the table. Arsenal could face an unprecedented squeeze on the top four next season, and so we must take radical steps now to ensure that the club remains competitive and in the Champions League. Sitting still is simply not an option. We must get rid of underperformers and replace them with higher quality replacements. Alas, I fear that the club will not do what is needed, despite the warning signs being there. I can’t help but get the feeling that the stage is set for a disastrous end to the Wenger reign. And what a shame it would be for our greatest ever manager to sign off in such a way.
Ed’s note – We’ll have the end of season Gooner survey online by the weekend
