The January transfer window has officially come to a close, rumours, negotiations and talks are over. With several clubs making moves in the transfer window to salvage their seasons. While others are at a standstill following a month of potential activity, more notably Arsenal. As Mikel Arteta has been left with no incomings ahead of a fragile time in the season.
Mikel Arteta, the former Arsenal midfielder, was appointed as the Gunners’ head coach in 2019. With the Spaniard taking on a colossus challenge, previously being an assistant coach for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
In addition to the environment that he had to foresee at the time. However, Arteta was able to win an FA Cup in 2020. Which gave the Spanish coach the luxury of finishing in eighth place in consecutive seasons.
Re-branding how the club was perceived over the past couple of years. Where they have failed to challenge for major honours. Bringing in youth into the ranks while shifting away big-money players who he felt didn’t fit the club’s future vision.
Leading them to consecutive title challenges in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. However, they always let were just “one step away” from achieving greatness. As an attacking hole started to form.
A hindrance to their title ambitions, which has been widely highlighted this season too. As the January window commenced, they were expected to bring in incomings to bolster their attack.
This was not achieved by the end of the window. With Mikel Arteta voiced his disappointment in his latest press conference.
As Mikel said “We had a clear intention. We haven’t achieved it. We are disappointed but as well we are very aware that we only wanted to bring certain kinds of players and have to be very disciplined with that and we were.”
Have Arsenal failed Arteta?
While it’s popular to agree with this sentiment, there is a solid argument to do so. We must first identify what were the Gunners looking for this month.
As it has been known, Mikel Arteta is in need of a clinical forward. A player that can convert the number of chances that Arsenal create. The team has shown on numerous occasions that they are able to create.
However, being runners-up two seasons in a row has not been down to a poor backline. In addition to while not nailing down a certain midfield partnership, they do not fall short on quality in that department.
Although, does Arsenal need any forward? Are they just looking for a player who just scores goals, or is this a part of a bigger picture?
As Mikel Arteta mentioned “We are very aware that we only wanted to bring certain kinds of players”
It must be reiterated, the 42-year-old coach has been clear on the type of players he wants in the club. Who are quality and hungry players who are ready to learn and improve themselves every week.
Therefore, you cannot sign a player that could be a bad apple that could poison a great group of players.
To briefly conclude this point, although a case would be rightfully made to suggest that Arsenal have failed this window.
The other side of the coin is also understandable as to why they were not able to bring any incomings.
Are Arsenal’s title hopes fading?
Arsenal have lately shown how lethal they can be, as they triumphed against a poor Man City side.
Although their form in the Premier League has been decent. As in the previous 10 games, they are undefeated. Finding the back of the net 21 times, whilst conceding eight goals in the process.
However, throughout those 10 games without defeat, four of them have ended in a stalemate. With draws against the likes of Everton, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
Accumulating 5.84Xg in those four games, whilst only scoring on four occasions. Therefore, there are two tales to this story.
What can be concluded, is their direct rivals, Liverpool. Look like a much more complete side at the moment, although having their own deficiencies. They have shown that they are capable of winning games when not performing to their high standards.
While Arsenal have shown that they can be lethal in games when games are tough and messy. Needing a goal or a piece of magic, this has not been proven to consistently exist at the club.
Leading us to the answer to this question being. The title race may not be fading, however, their chances have not been increased thanks to the January window.