As the 2020/21 Premier League season comes to a close, Arsenal fans are left with mixed emotions regarding the performance of their team. A few bright spots, such as the emergence of young star Bukayo Saka, were overshadowed by the squad’s inability to string together consistent victories.
One major factor contributing to Arsenal‘s struggles was the constant stream of injuries to key players. The loss of top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, creative midfielder Martin Odegaard, and reliable defender Kieran Tierney all put a serious strain on the team’s ability to perform at their best. Additionally, the team’s lack of depth in certain positions made it difficult for manager Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad without sacrificing quality.
Despite these challenges, some fans and critics have been quick to label Arsenal‘s performances as “excuses.” This narrative suggests that the team is making excuses for their failures rather than taking responsibility for their shortcomings.
However, it’s important to remember that injuries are a very real part of professional football. No team can predict or prevent these setbacks, and they can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game or even an entire season. In the case of Arsenal, losing key players like Aubameyang and Tierney made it much more difficult for the team to achieve their goals and compete with the best teams in the league.
Moreover, the emergence of Saka as a major talent for the club has been both a source of excitement and anxiety for many fans. The 19-year-old has demonstrated incredible skill and versatility, proving himself as one of Arsenal‘s most valuable players this season. As a result, the club has been keen to secure his future with a new long-term contract. However, negotiations have been ongoing for several months, leading to speculation that Saka could leave the club if a deal isn’t reached soon.
Some Arsenal fans have criticized the club for their handling of the situation, arguing that the uncertainty is damaging to both Saka‘s development and the team’s future prospects. However, it’s important to remember that these negotiations are complex and can take time. Saka‘s representatives will undoubtedly be negotiating for the best possible deal for their client, and Arsenal will need to balance their desire to keep him with their financial constraints.
Overall, Arsenal‘s 2020/21 season has been a mixed bag. While injuries and poor form have hampered the team’s ability to compete with the best teams in the league, the emergence of young talent like Saka gives fans hope for the future. As negotiations continue regarding Saka‘s contract, it’s important for the club to remember that investing in their young stars is key to building a successful team. With the right support and a bit of luck with injuries, Arsenal could be back in contention sooner than we think.
