3. A statement for Arteta
Excluding two Community Shields, Mikel Arteta has won just one trophy as Arsenal manager, leading the club to FA Cup glory in his maiden season. Since then, the Gunners have not had much to celebrate, instead having to watch other sides lift countless trophies.
There is no denying that the Spaniard has had an incredible impact on the club. He took the Gunners from potential mid-table obscurity and evolved them into a team capable of competing for the highest honours. The progress under Arteta is clear but now's the time for that progress to be turned into tangible success. Both fans and pundits have claimed that he will need to win a trophy this season, and it's hard to say they are wrong.
By no means should the club consider sacking Arteta if he fails to win a trophy, but a fifth consecutive season without a competition victory would put him under pressure. If he is to turn his side's attention to the cups, his chances of lifting another trophy would be increased greatly. A trophy win would send a statement to critics that Arteta is at Arsenal to win the club trophies but that can only be done by prioritising the right competitions.