Arsenal victory over Brentford by 3-1 has made New Year more hopeful for the ones who saw the match but also cruelly reminded them of how arduous the way ahead is. They showed grit, determination, and a pure desire to win, but there remain doubts about whether the squad depth is enough to assist them with their target ambitions this season.
Hard-earned Victory at the Center of Adversity
Manager Mikel Arteta faced some hard realities of life before the match, with Bukayo Saka out till March with a hamstring surgery; and with Kai Havertz missing due to illness. Undeterred by all odds, Arteta made an audacious decision to set the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to play at the right wing, Saka’s usual playing position.
He quietly brought up Sunday hugely relevant in their goal contributions. Of course, his set-pieces have brought on target defenders for Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who scored free ones against those lethargic defenders from Brentford. The child was praised by Arteta as ready following such a huge performance.
He himself scored, as did Gabriel Martinelli, signalling a revival in form at the most appropriate moment. After a long period of silence, he now boasts six goals in four matches. Martinelli is also managing to break free of both the scoring draught and bus riding scoring drought to provide Arsenal everywhere with a timely opportunity to attack.
It Would be a Test of Depth and Ambition
This win has now turned the spotlight back on the depth of the Arsenal squad because depending on a 17 year old such as Nwaneri to fill Saka’s shoes well reflects the small margin Arteta is working within. However, while manager may feel he or she has a more than able group who are most willing to fit into roles, the nature of this demanding Premier League schedule, with 4 competitions to fight for, may well require extra arms.
Being fully informed about today’s present and offering guidance to those who will come after him, he said. “But all have iron wills to face problems and the unique, inventive, and flexible approaches prove endless opportunities.” The future, however, makes uncertainty in predictions.
January Transfers: Reasoned Or Hasty Move?Arsenal
Moreover, January’s transfer window opens an Arsenal opportunity to bolster its player stock. The reports suggest potential targets of exploration by the club in terms of a winger or central striker. Benjamin Sesko had once been available to the club as a target. Though he signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, new potential alternatives would be acceptable.
Some fans aren’t clear on the priorities. Some want a clinical finisher who can complement the current frontline; others want a flexible winger who can substitute for Saka. Suitable targets like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha could thus score goals to spearhead Arsenal in their title fight.
Arsenal is trailing Liverpool
At present, Arsenal is trailing Liverpool, the Premier League leaders, by six points. The crucial question now is whether the current squad can maintain that momentum, or it will require reinforcement for a full push on trophies. Arteta has to balance between the two: effective internal development with timely acquisition of external talent to realize the ends.
Brentford’s victory reflected Arsenal hosting away ticket sales in the capacity crowd of the Emirates under Mikel Arteta in a ritual battle. Thus, with the season intensifying, the club needs to decide whether to give faith in their up-and-coming stars or buy its way out of trouble for the market’s solutions. Whatever the case, January will shape up as the crucible month for Arsenal’s bid to win the Premier League.
