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Banners and murals were up around Emirates to bid farewell to one of the best managers of Premier League era, Arsene Wenger. The match against Burnley was the last home game with the Frenchman at the helm of Arsenal.
Wenger finally said goodbye to the Arsenal faithful. Amidst tears and cheers and 'merci Arsene' messages, he bid adieu to the London giants, a team he built, he nurtured.
The Gunners' display, in a match which could possibly determine their chances of playing the European football next season, was sensational. It was the best possible parting gift the players can present to the Arsenal Legend.
For the past few seasons, Wenger has been scrutinized as his team failed to deliver time and again. The fans, who were once his admirers, wanted him out of the club. They blamed him, they booed him. They were seen outside the Emirates with 'Wenger Out' banners held high above their head.
Finally, when he decided to step down, the mood suddenly changed. The anguish gave way to sadness. During his final meeting with the fans, right after the Burnley match, the stadium was thick with emotions and suffuse with rave.
Despite another disappointing season, there were signs of hope on which Wenger's predecessor can build the team the coming season.
Here are the three positives for Arsenal in their win against Burnley which they can carry to the next season.
#3 The synergy between Lacazette and Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived at Emirates in January for a hefty €65 million fee from Borussia. He was magnificent for the German side and it was presumed that he would strengthen Arsenal with his adeptness in front of goal.
However, his arrival posed a different kind of problem to Wenger. He started being a regular for Arsenal at the expense of Lacazette, another big-money signing who landed at Emirates in the summer. Accommodating both these strikers in the first eleven seemed like an enigma Wenger couldn't decipher until yesterday.
Against Burnley, both Lacazette and Aubameyang started up front for the Gunners. The understanding between the two, who relentlessly switched places, was critical in their demolition of Burnley.
Lacazette assisted Aubameyang before getting on the scoresheet himself. Both played with telepathic understanding, each aware of the other's position on the field, one drawing defenders to free up the other.
A starting line up with a place for both these exceptional talents is a promising prospect for next season. If they can build on this, Arsenal is going to be a scary opponent for many in the years to come.
#2 The team spirit
Arsenal's football has always been entertaining and highly enjoyable. Weaving an invisible net in the middle of the field with small and seemingly harmless passes and sudden unexpected surges forward, Arsenal often emulated Barcelona of the tiki-taka era. On Sunday, against Burnley, they were thrilling to watch.
Arsenal always shone best when they relied on team spirit rather than individual talents. In the final home game of Wenger, they played with purpose and determination.
Every player played their part with a perfection that is long forgotten by the players and fans alike. They seldom erred, they hardly played a bad pass, or rarely put the wrong foot forward. There was a sense of calmness and an air of vigor around every player.
The result was a reminder of the talents Arsenal possess. Even though they failed to win a silverware this season, their performance when on full swing has been a joy to behold.
The scintillating display in the 5 goal annihilation of Burnley will inspire the club in the years to come.
#1 Konstantinos Mavropanos' potential
Every time Mavropanos touched the ball or made a tackle, applauses rose around the stadium. It was only his second appearance in the Premier League and the first one was against United at Old Trafford.
In an Arsenal era marked by defensive errors, he is seen as a glimmer of hope by the fans. In a Premier League age, when titles are lost by defensive frailty, he is seen as a savior of their dreams.
He was a calm presence in the back for Arsenal, tall and strong and showcased exceptional aerial prowess. So often have we seen Arsenal defenders being bullied by the physical opposition. So often have we seen them concede from a set piece or a high ball. Mavropanos might just be the solution.
The young Greek center-back showed toughness and tenacity. He had the ambition that was lacking in the Arsenal defense for a long time. He tried some audaciously long through-balls and even rushed forward when presented with an opportunity.
He is comfortable on the ball, he is talented, he has the fans behind him, Mavropanos might be the answer to Arsenal's defensive woes.
