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After losing to Manchester City in the Premier League, Arsenal once again find themselves miles from the summit. The fans are angry with the board as they don't spend money, but the fact remains that Arsenal are just a shadow of what they used to be.
It seems impossible now, but Arsenal could start challenging for the title again if certain things go their way. Here's a look at three of those things:
1. Other teams need to drop in quality and intensity
Liverpool and Manchester City are playing at a different level right now, and Tottenham will likely finish above Arsenal in the league. Arsenal are currently scrapping with Chelsea and Manchester United for the last Champions League spot.
The other teams will get better and better because their owners are willing to spend money and their squads are already good. Unfortunately, Arsenal doesn't have owners that will spend money. So the most important thing that the club needs to hope for right now is that the other teams drop in quality.
2. Strengthening the squad
We football fans remember the Invincibles. That was one of the best footballing sides the Premier League has ever seen. The slick football they played would dazzle any fan watching and it would terrify any opposition; they had star-studded players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell.
That was in 2004. Fast forward 15 years Later, and Arsenal are in a mess. The worst part is that don't even look likely to challenge for the title next season.
Arsenal have conceded 32 goals this season, so their weakest part is easily the defense. But they do have a great attacking force that has scored 48 goals.
A team they should look at as an example is Liverpool, as they were in a similar position last season - they had a shambolic defence and a great attack. But this season, Liverpool have conceded just 13 goals and scored 54 goals.
The Reds got reinforcements to their squad over the summer, and that's exactly what Arsenal need to do. Whether they do that by spending a ton of money (unlikely) or by making some smart deals, is for the management to decide.
3. The manager needs support
The turmoil that has occurred at Arsenal is unacceptable; there have been various battles between the management, the players and the fans because of ideological differences.
Arsene Wenger, one of Arsenal’s greatest ever managers, has resigned, and they now have Unai Emery in charge. Emery is a manager with outstanding pedigree who can return Arsenal back to who they were. But this would require support and patience.
If Emery doesn't get the required support from the board and the fans, then Arsenal will stay stagnant or maybe even fall further into the abyss. The Arsenal faithful need to show patience because the transition doesn't happen overnight.
