Why Better days are ahead for the Gunners

Some little banter to kick us off ...... winning at St.Mary's isn't for everyone pep.

Now onto matters Arsenal.It has been a pretty good fortnight for arsenal.After a woeful start the team has now won 4 games in a row conceding 1 goal. That's definitely an improvement considering our personnel.Arsenal have a tough 2 weeks ahead ...well at least on paper. Leicester, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City all to come .  

I look at why there is reason to be optimistic as an arsenal fan . 

      

             1.THE COACH 

The man himself Mikel Arteta. Many arsenal fans were not very convinced at the idea of hiring an inexperienced manager.Given the likes of Ancellotti ,Allegri ,Jose Mourinho and Pochettino were all available many were disappointed by the appointment of arteta. But it has not taken long for the gaffer to show he is the right man for the job.

In 21 games Arteta has won 12 drawing 5 and losing 4. The latest of which was a daunting task against the stubborn Wolves team. Arteta marshalled his troops and rilled them up for a battle .From the touchline one could hear him Bark instructions and the name "Dani! Dani!Dani!". Arteta seemingly not satisfied with the midfielder's positioning and would constantly call him out to track runs .

Communication is key to any successful team and arteta has been very vocal to ecco his sentiments. After the defeat to Brighton arteta launched a scathing attack on his players by plainly telling them that they had given the game away . The response was swift and performances improved.

Incidents involving Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi have shown that it's a matter of toeing the line or out you go. He has also shown that second chances are given as is the case with Ainsley Maitland Niles .

Tactically the manager has proven that he is flexible . With the personnel at his disposal  especially in Midfield and Defense the manager quickly realized that he had to change his tactics. His switch to a back 3 has led to 4 straight wins and only 1 goal conceded. David luiz has also benefitted from the change in system. Playing as the ball playing defender Luiz is able to dictate possession from defense and play balls over the opposition's midfield .Kieran Tierney,AMN,Xhaka,Ceballos,Mustafi,Cedric have all done really well in the system.

Mikel has a tough task of convincing star player Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to renew with the Gunners.The no 14 reportedly waiting to see where the team finishes. Arteta has repeatedly stressed how important it is as a coach for players to buy into your project. At the moment it seems the players have identified with the coach and are really happy working with him.

Arteta is more realistic to the fact that at the moment he has to do with what he has. At some point he won't be able to improve some players. And that will be the time to invest...whether it is this summer it remains to be seen . Arteta has already made his desire to improve the squad known . Tough decisions have to be made but at the moment Arteta is doing very little to criticize him. Top 4 targets are slim but momentum into next season is vital.

                  2.THE YOUNG GUNS 

In one of my previous blogs I looked at the arsenal academy graduates who are making their mark . My piece was soon Validated from the perfomances of Saka and Willock. In the match against wolves Saka marked his first game after signing a long term deal with a superb volley.  In the second half Joe Willock came on from the bench to assist Alex Lacazette for arsenal's second . Willock should have grabbed a third too.

If you haven't read my post on arsenal youngsters please do as I won't go into deep detail here .  Arteta put it perfectly " the young players are very talented but we have to have the right environment for them to grow. " 

          3. TEAM SPIRIT & MENTALITY 

It has been the norm in Arteta's press conferences to stress this " we suffer together."It wasn't long ago that teammates at arsenal cast disgusting looks at each other when one made a mistake or misplaced a pass. This was one of the first things arteta addressed in his first month as Gunners boss. He reportedly showed them clips of teammates getting angry at each other and blaming one another. This further affected fans as the negative vibe spread resulting in strained relationships not only between players but also among fans.

 This was a typical arsenal response but how things have changed. The team now depicts passion wherever you look. After David Luiz disastrous 25 min cameo against mancity the team's heads didn't drop. They accepted what had happened and fought well with 10 men ....in recent times the team would have capitulated. Mustafi went on to speak after the game " we win together we lose together" . Something that was backed by fellow team mate Pablo Mari.

It is said that pictures speak louder than words....... conclude for yourself.

If that's not passion I don't know what is .

                       4. THE STRUCTURE 

This is a really controversial part considering how much backlash the guys at the helm come under . The typical arsenal fan will tell you that the club is poorly run but things may be changing.

Recent contract renewals for Gabriel Martinelli , Bukayo Saka and possibly Auba would indicate positive leadership from Raul.  Only time will tell but my main focus is on Francis Cagigao.

He is head of recruitment at arsenal. With the departure of Wenger a void was left ....since as is well known Arsene had an eye for talent. Francis took the responsibility and it is hard to argue with the fact that he is doing well. Cagigao was the guy who recruited ex-players  Lauren,Cazorla,Cesc more recently Bellerin and Martinelli. Now with the power to scout and recommend to Mikel I am really excited at the prospect of him signing players he wants . Recent reports indicate Cagigao has scouted summer target Thomas Partey for long now together with Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. He has great eye for talent and as arteta stressed  it is crucial that we get our next signings absolutely spot on . There is no margin for error.

Trust in the process and project guys....there are bound to be bumps along the way but the end will be worth it.

                              ***

Next up Leicester ....a win here would be a game changer ....we win.... 

Then a  little matter of the North London Derby ....against a cry baby in jose ....... should be an entertaining week :)