Pain in the Arsenal: Writers’ 2021/22 season predictions

The season looms large with Arsenal kicking off their 2021/22 Premier League campaign away at Brentford on Friday and it’s fair to say the nerves are beginning to kick in.

Watching a side almost identical to the one that finished last season lose to Chelsea and Tottenham in back-to-back fixtures, the natural response is expect very little to have changed. Guess what? It hasn’t!

Many of the same qualms about the team remain heading into the curtain-raiser, barring the addition of Ben White. A whole 50 million British pounds sterling were parted with and while two 45-minute outings are nowhere near a big enough sample size to make any judgement, it’s no exaggeration to say he’s the best defender this club have had since Laurent Koscielny.

We jest. Sort of.

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Pain in the Arsenal: Writers’ 2021/22 season predictions for Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of the Premier League opener against Brentford

But we need something positive ahead of Brentford and White, along with the incredibly likable Albert Sambi Lokonga, with a dash of Nuno Tavares in there, are about all there is to be giddy about. That and the moment we get to all tell Bukayo Saka how much we love him.

Otherwise it’s all transfer failures this and transfer failures that.

Aaron Ramsdale looked like being a move destined to happen only for Arsenal to realise a day before the season started that apparently Sheffield United’s valuation was actually Sheffield United’s valuation. Who’d have thought? There is still no right-back, only one central midfielder, no goalkeeper, no attacking midfielder and about 432 departures to complete before the end of the month.

Nobody is panicking, right? Well, in regards to us at Pain in the Arsenal, even with the transfer window yet to close and plenty more to be discovered, we’ve gone ahead and made our predictions for the 2021/22 season.

There are league finishes, breakout stars and piping hot takes to look at, all of which are listed below for everyone to rip the shreds and call out for being ridiculous. Or, conversely, to agree wholeheartedly with. Let’s dive in.

Ross Kennerley

Twitter: @SwedishRoss

Final Premier League position: 7th

We can kick off by abandoning any aspirations of a Premier League top four finish. It simply will not happen. Seeing the sides around us strengthening in the right areas and Arsenal doing their best hipster approach by not following the trend, I think this will be a tough and grueling season. I see nothing as of yet to convince me much will change. Still, 7th is better than 8th.

How far in FA Cup: Quarter-finals

Is this our best route back into Europe? Probably. Yet with the ‘Big Six’ sides we usually beat to lift this trophy, given the disparity between us and them if they come knocking again en route to the final it will be curtains. Yes, I’m not confident.

How far in Carabao Cup: Third round

Beat West Brom and then probably lose away from home in the third round. It’s the absolute least of our concerns this season so nobody will be overly miffed.

Player of the Year: Bukayo Saka

While many are tipping Emile Smith Rowe to earn the gong ahead of his teammate, I can’t see our star boy easing off the gas. Sure, he’s played a lot of football in the past 12 months but that doesn’t seem to faze him. Staying fit and not having to worry about anything other than 38 Premier League matches will see him reach even greater heights.

Breakout star: Emile Smith Rowe

Can only be. Smith Rowe’s trajectory building on from last season is at a steep incline and now with the No. 10 on his back and with goals looking like they’re creeping into his game, I can see him exploding. We all can. He’s just brilliant.

Hot take: This will be Gabriel Martinelli’s final season at Arsenal

I do not want this to happen. At all. But I worry. I fear.

Arsenal will sign a Maddison or an Odegaard this season which will prompt Smith Rowe to be wide left, once again significantly limiting Gabriel Martinelli’s minutes, especially in a season without European football. He is far too good to be on the bench. Far too good. I can’t see him, rightly, being content with a bit-part role and in 12 months with two years left on his deal the best sides on the continent will pay what it takes and Arsenal will accept.

A nightmare? Yes. I hope to be wrong. I love him.

Continued…

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…

Adam Schultz

Twitter: @adam_schultz15

Final Premier League position: 6th

At the time of writing with the teams above Arsenal strengthening significantly and the club still sitting on its hand, I can’t see Arsenal moving any higher than sixth. The next few weeks will prove pivotal in securing new signings.

How far in FA Cup: Semi-final

With no European football, I expect Arsenal to go far in the competition they have a long history of winning. A semi-final berth is well within reach but may fall short when coming up against the big boys.

How far in Carabao Cup: Semi-final

Traditionally the Gunners have not taken this cup seriously, but again without European football, a strong team should be deployed in most matches. Having only won it twice in 1986/87 and 1992/93, Arsenal could go far in this competition and reach the semis.

Player of the Year: Ben White

Since the 2005/06 season, every winner of Arsenal’s Player of the Year has either been a midfielder or a forward. This year I am predicting a buck in the trend. Our new central defender Ben White will win the POTY award this season.

Breakout star: Sambi Lokonga

Most likely everyone’s choice. The 21-year-old Belgian midfielder has impressed since his move from Anderlecht. In a similar mold to Thomas Partey, I expect Lokonga to become one of Arsenal’s most important players in 2021/22.

Hot take: William Saliba doesn’t have a future at Arsenal

This one hurts. So much talent and potential from the young French defender but he has not been given a chance in north London. It is now back-to-back loan spells in France and with Ben White and Gabriel to be Arsenal’s defensive pair for the next decade, Saliba will be sold next summer.

Continued…

Henry Payne

Twitter: @henry_vines

Final Premier League position: 5th

While I believe that Arsenal will improve upon their 8th place finish from last season, I can’t see them qualifying for the Champions League. As things stand, they simply lack the necessary creativity.

How far in FA Cup: Final

I expect two deep cup runs this season (provided the draws are favourable). Arsenal have lifted the FA Cup more than any other club, and I would not be surprised to see them do it again next year.

How far in Carabao Cup: Semi-final

Again, Arsenal should be able to capitalise on their lack of European football and their deep squad. However, they will lose to the inevitable winners (Manchester City) just before the final.

Player of the Year: Nicolas Pepe

Everything started to click for Nicolas Pépé towards the end of last season. The sky’s the limit for him, especially as Willian is no longer a threat to his minutes.

Breakout star: Gabriel Martinelli and/or Folarin Balogun

With Alexandre Lacazette’s future uncertain and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggling, I think one of these two will get a chance to lead the line at some point. I expect whoever gets that opportunity to take it with both hands.

Hot take: Ainsley Maitland-Niles reclaims the starting right-back spot

If he stays – and Arsenal don’t sign another right-back – I can see Ainsley Maitland-Niles becoming a starter once more. Upon his return from injury, Calum Chambers was surprisingly effective in attack. Nonetheless, his lack of quickness will undoubtedly be exploited if he remains the starter. Maitland-Niles may want to play in central midfield, but he suits Mikel Arteta’s system and is arguably the club’s best right-back.

Continued…

Mac Johnson

Twitter: @MacJohnson22152

Final Premier League position: 6th

Despite a lack of sales, it appears Arsenal are getting serious about their summer recruitment, and if the squad can stay healthy, our form from the second half of last season has a good chance to carry over. Top four is too far out of sight, unfortunately, and with many opposing squads improving, it’ll be a hard-fought sixth.

How far in FA Cup: Semi-finals

Much like the 2019/20 season, and despite the delays of Project Restart, Arsenal are bereft of European Competition yet again. We’ve proven our ability to power through single-elimination competitions when it’s the sole focus of the club, and Arteta could use some more silverware to tide over the fans. I’m not sure we’ll win it, but top-four might just be a lock.

How far in Carabao Cup: It doesn’t matter

Nobody really cares about it, do they? I made this same point last season, but we typically go out early in the Carabao Cup because we play the kids and ignore the consequences. I’m quite excited to see players like Balogun and Martinelli flourish, but I’m afraid we simply do not have the luxury to play any decent talent in these matches, bar players returning from injury.

Player of the Year: KT or Saka

It’s a toss-up between two, for me. The two players this squad truly struggles to function without are Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka. Our starboy has a good chance of defending his crown, but if KT can stay healthy, he’ll likely play a massive volume of matches, and truly blossom into the player we know he can be. Thomas Partey and ESR are title outsiders.

Breakout star: Sambi Lokonga

Tempted as I am to nominate Azeez or Balogun, I believe Sambi will play a crucial role in the upcoming season. He’s demonstrated some serious tenacity and inch-perfect passing in the pre-season, but unlike Nketiah, he has a rather ironclad place in the squad, due to our serious lack of midfielders. He may not be homegrown, but he might just make a home for himself.

Hot take: Marquee signings to come in both transfer windows

My hot take revolves around recruitment. As Arsenal begin to stump up cash to fund higher-profile moves, it’s inevitable that we will not be able to fill the gaps we need to. Whether it’s for Maddison or otherwise, cash will be splashed soon, but I predict that with a glut of players ending their contracts in less than a year, proper talent will be brought in during the winter months.

Continued…

Trent Nelson

Twitter: @TRichard_Nelson

Final Premier League position: 5th

Fifth position with the acquisition of more help across the final third and midfield areas, 7th otherwise.

How far in FA Cup: Quarter-finals

A quarter-final appearance will be ended by one of the ‘Big Six’.

How far in Carabao Cup: Winners

Winners! Arsenal will collect a domestic trophy on its way into Europe.

Player of the Year: Bukayo Saka

Saka will continue growing from last season and this summer to give the club a real shot at something this campaign.

Breakout star: Emile Smith Rowe

The new number ten Emile Smith Rowe will lead this charge.

Hot take: Europe beckons

The team will get additional midfield creativity and imagination to help what appears a jumbled club get back into Europe next season, likely in the Europa League.

Continued…

Nikesh Teckwani

Twitter: @nteckwani24

Final Premier League position: 5th

After back to back seasons of finishing in 8th place, anything outside of the top six will be unacceptable for Arteta this season. Arsenal should benefit from having a less congested fixture list without any European football this season, which I think will ultimately give us an edge over the likes of Tottenham (enjoy the Conference League Spurs fans) and Leicester.

How far in FA Cup: 4th round

With the likes of Pepe, Partey, Aubameyang, and of course Elneny all departing for AFCON in January, I think it’s safe to assume that will be our toughest portion of the season. Unfortunately that’s when the FA Cup season really begins, so I’m predicting an early exit here. But maybe I’m overthinking it, and this is of course very dependent on who we are matched up against in the early rounds.

How far in Carabao Cup: Winners

With other big clubs having European games on their plate, I think this could be the year we finally end our League Cup drought (we’ve lost our past three finals), and, of course, this is contingent on us avoiding Man City.

Player of the Year: Nicolas Pepe

He ended last season in superb form, scoring nine goals in his final 13 league starts. As Pepe (hopefully) gets more consistent playing time, I expect him to be our most productive forward in terms of overall output. He even showed he was capable of producing from the left-hand side as well on multiple occasions, and his versatility is another reason he should be absolutely nailed onto the starting XI. Get him the ball in and around the penalty area and he will do the rest; he’s an elite finisher on the verge of superstardom.

Breakout star: Emile Smith Rowe

You could argue he already burst onto the scene during the second half of last season, but I expect even bigger things to come from Arsenal’s new No. 10. There’s just something special about this kid, and when he and Saka are on the pitch together you just feel so much more confident in our ability to threaten the opposition and create chances.

Hot take:  By season’s end, Bernd Leno will no longer be our number one keeper

Now into the final two years of his contract, I just don’t see Leno staying beyond this season. A new keeper will be signed in the next couple of weeks, perhaps only as a backup initially but let’s face it: the future of goalkeeping is all about distribution and building out from the back, which has never been Leno’s strength. He’s been a very good shot stopper at times, but as Arsenal have become more of a possession-based team again under Arteta, the quality of the German’s performances has dipped.

Continued…

Zach Stevens

Twitter: @zachstevensFU

Final Premier League position: 5th

I am going to predict Arsenal ending up in the fifth position on the table, as they have solidified the defense with Ben White, but have failed to sign any more attacking threats. I say we finish better than last year but still can’t break the top four.

How far in FA Cup: Semi-finals

Arsenal are going to make it to the semi-finals of this competition and will not repeat their success during Arteta’s first campaign. We don’t have what it takes to win trophies just yet.

How far in Carabao Cup: Semi-finals

Same as above, I believe Arsenal could go far, depending on what team shows up. Do I think we will win the EFL Cup? Absolutely not.

Player of the Year: Nicolas Pepe

Pepe was in some of his best form as a Gunner towards the end of the 2020/21 season and I am banking on him continue to shine. He is our most expensive signing for a reason and I believe Pepe will show us why he’s worth all that money.

Breakout star: Sambi Lokonga

Sambi looks to be an exciting young midfielder who I think is going to have a great first year for the Gunners. He is the perfect player needed for this Arsenal squad, as he brings good energy and skill onto the pitch. Very excited for him.

Hot take: Mikel Arteta will be sacked

As Arteta was given another chance for this season, I believe this one will be his last. He and his team have not done enough this summer to bring Arsenal even remotely close to competing for trophies, and it will come back to hurt him in the end. He will be gone.