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Let's discuss "rebuilds" in sports:
I have been a football fanatic for more than half of my life, but being a big NBA fan as well has taught me one thing that football never did:
When the foundations of a team are average, you can't expect to build a good team on top of them.
I have been a football fanatic for more than half of my life, but being a big NBA fan as well has taught me one thing that football never did:
When the foundations of a team are average, you can't expect to build a good team on top of them.
Instead, you have to tear them down, and try to rebuild from the beginning.
It's exactly what Arsenal have not done in the last decade. Every year, they've had ageing teams with a ceiling no higher than 4th, and tried to add 2-3 decent players in order to push for contention.
It's exactly what Arsenal have not done in the last decade. Every year, they've had ageing teams with a ceiling no higher than 4th, and tried to add 2-3 decent players in order to push for contention.
The result? It's obviously the current situation the club is in: ageing high-profile players on outrageous salaries and only 2 big contributors from ages 24-29 (Xhaka & Partey).
This of course results in a low ceiling, that can only be improved upon through spending 150-200 mil,
This of course results in a low ceiling, that can only be improved upon through spending 150-200 mil,
something which is not realistic given the current economic climate.
Now what has Arsenal done well in that time period? Well they've stumbled upon 2 immense generations in their academy and they've generally recruited well in terms of u23 players (Saliba, KT, Martinelli etc.)
Now what has Arsenal done well in that time period? Well they've stumbled upon 2 immense generations in their academy and they've generally recruited well in terms of u23 players (Saliba, KT, Martinelli etc.)
So, as AFC has built such a quality u23 core at their club (with an equally promising u18 core in the works), what they have to do is to build around it.
Would you rather build around the players listed below, or the like of Auba, Laca, Willian, Pepe? https://twitter.com/ncstef16/status/1383057388345905152?s=20
Would you rather build around the players listed below, or the like of Auba, Laca, Willian, Pepe? https://twitter.com/ncstef16/status/1383057388345905152?s=20
I will argue that the unprecedented failures of this seasons can easily be a blessing in disguise, in the sense that Arsenal can now commit on a full rebuild, without any shortcuts and quick fixes.
The FA Cup win is a great example of "papering over the cracks".
The FA Cup win is a great example of "papering over the cracks".
It was an achievement that set unrealistic standards for a poor squad, that made everyone believe that Arteta is some kind of wizard that can make it compete with the likes of Man City, without significant investment.
While UCL qualification through Europa would've been good...
While UCL qualification through Europa would've been good...
...for a financial sense mostly, it could've easily had a similar effect to the aforementioned FA Cup win.
This squad is not UCL level, and qualifying through EL would not mean that they would be able to get top 4 next year.
It is definitely a reality check.
This squad is not UCL level, and qualifying through EL would not mean that they would be able to get top 4 next year.
It is definitely a reality check.
So are we finished as a top club? Should we say goodbye to any top level success in the future? Absolutely not.
Instead, the club executives must get to work. They might need to negotiate destinations for as many as 10 departing first team players, and also bring in a few too.
Instead, the club executives must get to work. They might need to negotiate destinations for as many as 10 departing first team players, and also bring in a few too.
Getting rid of players like Lacazette, Willian, Ceballos and Holding will prove to be addition by subtraction, as they will allow more playing time and integration, for some of the elite talents in the young core, like Balogun, Martinelli, Saliba and Willock.
In terms of incomings, I quite firmly don't believe we need an unrealistic level of spending in order to improve. In rebuilds especially, teams must always try and find value in the margins.
Many smart people on here will tell you that there are world-class level talents...
Many smart people on here will tell you that there are world-class level talents...
... available for as little as 20 million pounds. Signings like this might seem underwhelming at first, but will prove to be great value with a bit of patience.
Also, finding value in the margins includes integrating some of the younger players out on loan, as I said earlier.
Also, finding value in the margins includes integrating some of the younger players out on loan, as I said earlier.
Since yesterday I've been asked a lot if I am still Arteta in, but at this point it's not a discussion worth having. Bringing in a new coach would mean very little without significant squad turnover. I'm more than willing to give Arteta the extra time if he gets his new players.
Sure, there are other coaches that I think would fit well with this group (Potter hive rise!), but since it's been confirmed he will be given time until next season, why waste energy getting invested in discussions about the hypothetical scenario he is sacked?
I understand why everyone is devastated right now with Arsenal, but personally I am excited for what the rebuild will bring. Full focus in on the summer transfer window, and I promise you that with 4 or 5 quality additions, things will turn around far quicker than you expect.
