6 Consistentcy – Consistency is something that Arteta and his fledgling team have not maintained in recent seasons, and it cost Arsenal Champion’s League football qualification at the end of 21/22. The younger players are now that much more experienced and, guided by seasoned veterans Partey and Xhaka, have shown a wonderful consistency this season. This is greatly enhanced by the togetherness and understanding of the manager’s wishes described above.
7 Confidence – With consistency of style and performance comes positives results and that in turn breeds confidence. Not arrogance, but a self-belief within the squad born of success. It was said of the early Wenger teams that often the opposition were beaten in the tunnel at Highbury and it feels that this team’s togetherness – and, indeed, their physicality and stature – is breeding a strong collective confidence in 22/23.
8 Creativity – The enhanced creativity displayed on the pitch is evident and linked to the licence the manager has given his team. The signing of Gabriel Jesus has been a huge factor, giving Martinelli, Saka and Odegaard so much more mobility in a front man to work with. Vieira too may well add to this as the season progresses, perhaps as Reyes offered Wenger variety and options in 2003/4. The change to 433, with Partey as a sole No.6 has also given Granit Xhaka a freer role to utilise his exquisite passing further up the pitch.
Fabio-Vieira-u21s
Added creativity
Clinical – The first 8 C’s are all the reasons why I feel this Arsenal should and will be challenging well into 2023 but the last C, ‘clinical’ is also the one that to me suggests 2022/23 may be too early for Arteta’s fabulous squad to challenge Man City. This fabulous analysis from Transfermarkt is why I believe this. It shows that after 9 matches Arsenal have improved so much as an attacking threat that their conversion of chances is the best in the Premier League at 16.4%.
However, it also clearly illustrates why Man City are likely to be uncatchable this season. Guardiola’s team have created over 50% more goal scoring opportunities than Arsenal (219 as against 140.) When you factor in that a certain Erling Haaland is the main beneficiary of these openings it is hard to see how Arsenal surpasses the Champions.
All that said, being a football supporter is all about passion and belief and this team is showing us passion and giving us renewed cause to believe.
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