Arsenal consistency remains key for Gunners moving forward

While Arsenal looked stylish and profound against Leeds United, this is not the first time this team has shown attractive play in one game, only to let down the intensity in the next match. Yet as the new and young faces continue to meld with the core of players we’ve grown familiar with, the excitement from the fan perspective does continue to build.

As the Premier League enters the next grueling phase of the English footballing marathon, and the Europa League commences once more, questions will be asked of this club. Will they respond positively, or simply sulk to the finish line with uneven performances dotting the schedule? While the club has just these two competitions to focus on, they do have the players to get their respective objectives completed in each. Will they, though?

Yes, I believe so.

I think that Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta as the boss during another rocky campaign, can win a European title, albeit in the Europa League, and finish in a top five position. Top four is possible as well, but it will take a real concerted effort, with no losses to unexpected foes, and even a few unexpected wins as well.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1361208625868529669

Arsenal consistency remains key for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners moving forward in Premier League and Europa League.

For a club with the weapons and tools that the Gunners have in its disposal, purchased, loaned for, or grown, it really should be no question. And it is perhaps not unfair to say that the two trophies the boss provided last calendar year are also purchasing him more time and patience; yet with time, that patience could very well have been properly placed. While some doubt the former Gunner and Toffee as the current boss on north London, I think that it is quite clear that under his leadership, we are in a much better place than under Unai Emery.

What is really killing Arteta, as it killed Emery before him, is the consistency factor. Arsenal fans expect consistency, having had it so often and for so long under Arsène Wenger. Gooners around the world know that a consistent squad is difficult to match in the top-flight, yet an inconsistent side lets European glory slip away, and could even give up a chance at European competition next season should it lose its focus this year.

While the loan for Martin Odegaard looks as though it will help give the club both creativity and versatility in attacking situations and formations, the other moves the boss has made this season must be appreciated, even if they have not all paid dividends entirely yet.

Names like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are demonstrating that they belong in the squad week in and week out. With them in the middle of the pitch, the club has a completely different feel to it than a starting eleven without. While Thomas Partey will continue to fill in the role that the boss has had in mind for him, Mohamed Elneny continues to play serviceably and honorably; Dani Ceballos plays hard, as does Granit Xhaka when their numbers are called.

Yet with all of these plaudits handed out, it really does come down to the attacking players in the final third. Whether it be Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe, Willian, or perhaps even Odegaard on the right side if necessary, goals are what will win us the day, whatever day that might be. And while it will not be an easy road ahead for the club, they will have a fighting chance should they continue to play with the passion they demonstrated versus Leeds United.