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Pain in the Arsenal: Writers’ 2021/22 season predictions
Kenneth Daly
Twitter: @kennethdaly_
Final Premier League position: 6th
Last season’s top four have strengthened significantly during the summer, and it therefore seems unlikely that we will upset that order. Our squad could be lacking in too many areas to even finish 5th, but no European commitments should bring at least marginal domestic improvement.
How far in FA Cup: Semi-finals
A competition that we can always rely on to add cheer to a miserable campaign, and again the uncongested calendar should bolster our chances. However, if any of last season’s top four reach the latter stages, they will probably have too much firepower for us.
How far in Carabao Cup: Semi-finals
A semi-final spot could be attainable depending on the draw and how seriously we take the competition, but Guardiola’s Carabao-loving Cityzens and/or the Gunners’ fondness for shooting themselves in the foot will probably obstruct our path to glory.
Player of the Year: Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe greatly enhanced our attacking dynamic in the second half of last season and, with Lokonga and White added to the Arsenal ranks, he could be the one to benefit most from the subsequent improvement in our progressive play.
Breakout star: Kido Taylor-Hart
Considering Arteta’s youthful caution and the reduced number of games next season, Taylor-Hart will probably struggle to establish himself over the coming months. However, he is an excellent young player who can play anywhere across the front line and particularly excels on the left wing- an area where we have struggled recently. I hope we get to see him develop this season.
Hot take: William Saliba will get his chances under Arteta
The Saliba saga has frustrated everyone including me, and many understandably want the boss to give him more opportunities. However, the staff at Arsenal watch him closely and should have the best idea of where he is in his development, and Arteta’s verdict of how improvement is needed was echoed by Marseille manager, Jorge Sampaoli.
Of course, some would say to give him a chance and that he can’t be any worse than the current crop, but he is still very young and has his whole career ahead of him, and our desperation to see the costly recruit in action shouldn’t come at the expense of what is best for the player, which, according to the club, is another loan spell.
Continued…