It is 3 consecutive seasons that Arsenal have missed out on Champions League football. Emery’s new reign began very well but then a series of disappointing results saw them finishing them outside the Top 4. If they spend a hefty amount this summer, only then could they hope to secure Champions League football. Otherwise, betting your money through Pennsylvania online sports betting on Arsenal’s Top 4 chances would only go to waste.
1- Mesut Ozil’s situation at Arsenal
Mesut Ozil’s situation got a lot of coverage in the media last year, with the focus particularly on the relationship between the German and the current Arsenal manager. The situation is still unresolved, demanding Emery’s attention once again this year. It would be difficult for the club to bear their current wage bill without getting Champions League football, and Ozil is currently at 350,000-a-week which makes him the club’s highest earner now.
Such a huge sum would have been justified if Ozil had been playing at the top of his game. However, his recent performances suggest that he is only a shadow of the player he once was. It is a matter of debate whether his dipping levels are due to Emery’s style of play or the lack of his own efforts, but the fact remains that he is not performing well for the team.
In the light of his recent displays, it looked like a dreadful mistake on Arsenal’s part to hand him a new deal in 2018. His contribution of only 2 league assists since he signed a new contract speaks volumes about the form of Ozil. Arsenal deserve far more than this from Mesut Ozil for the amount of money they are paying him. It is a big problem and Emery must find a solution over the coming months.
2- The Defense
The defense has been a problematic area for Arsenal for quite some time now. The Gunners once again shipped more than 50 goals for the second successive season. When Emery took charge, it was thought that the Spaniard would try to fix their leaky defense on a priority basis.
However, the problem has remained the same and they are just as vulnerable at the back as they were under Arsene Wenger. This defensive fragility is what cost them the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku when they let in four goals.
Sokratis looked promising in his first season while Koscielny showed glimpses of brilliance after coming back from injury last year. Even their new goalkeeper was very impressive between the sticks who came from Bayer Leverkusen last year. There are many talented individuals in Arsenal’s rearguard but on the whole, they remain poor at the back.