By Merlion
August 9 2024

Mikel Arteta declared he needed 100 points or more to win the title. It is feasible if he continues to improve his current squad from last season results.

The following tables try to identify what went right, wrong and need to be improved:

Season ….. W ….. D …. L …. F ……. A … +/- __ Points

2022/23 … 26 ….. 6 ….. 6 … 88 … 43 … 45 … … 84 – 2nd spot Mikel Arteta 3rd full season

2023/24 … 28 ….. 5 ….. 5 … 91 … 29 … 62 … … 89 – 2nd spot Mikel Arteta 4th full season

2024/25 … 32 ….. 4 ….. 2 … 95 … 30 … 65 … . 100 – 1st spot Mikel Arteta 5th full season?

Benchmark #1 – To score in every league game

We failed to score in five (5) league games last season.

If we had scored against Newcastle (A) and Aston Villa (A), we would have drawn those 2 games. And we would also have won the away game against Man City instead of 0-0 draw.

Then, the results would be 29W 6D 3L = 93 points.

We need to score in every league game for 2024/25 season.

Benchmark #2 – To remain unbeaten at Emirates Stadium

We lost two (2) home games against WHU and Aston Villa last season.

If those 2 games were drawn, the results would be 29W 8D 1L = 95 points.

We need to remain unbeaten at Emirates Stadium to stand a chance to win the title.

Benchmark #3 – To remain unbeaten against Top-6 Team

The primary reason why we challenged Man City for the title last season is that we were unbeaten against Top-6 teams, an improvement from 2022/23 results.

 S          ….. W ….. D …. L …. F ……. A … +/- __ Points

2022/23 ….. 6 ….. 1 ….. 3 … 20 … 18 ….. 2 … … 19

2023/24 ….. 6 ….. 4 ….. 0 … 21 ….. 9 … 12 … … 22

2024/25 ….. 6 ….. 4 ….. 0 … 21 ….. 9 … 12 … … 22 expectation

Therefore we need to collect 22 points or more against Top-6 teams to stand a chance to win the title.

Benchmark #4 – To score 95 league goals

We had scored 88 and 91 league goals for 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons respectively. Mikel Arteta should improve this team to score at least 95 league goals to challenge for the title.

Season       T ….. F …. M …. D ……. Total

2022/23 … 44 … 19 … 11 … 14 … 88 goals

2023/24 … 31 … 33 ….. 8 … 19 … 91 goals

2024/25 … 40 … 33 ….. 8 … 14 … 95 goals expectation

“T” is the Trio of Martinelli, Odegaard and Saka who have a superlative 2022/23 season. But Martinelli was injured for majority of last season, desperately out of form and out of synch with the Forward-3. The expectation is that a fully fit Martinelli and Odegaard will continue their scintillating 2022/23 scoring form.

“F” are those forwards in Havertz, Trossard, Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. Similarly, Jesus had an injury-wrecked season and unable to lead the line. It was Havertz and Trossard who scored the majority of goals as forward. A new wing-forward or centre forward will contribute to this 33 goals expectation.

“M” are those midfielders in Rice, Vieira, Nwaneri, and a new midfielder who are expected to contribute at least 8 league goals.

“D” are those defenders and own goals who scored 19 goals last season. The expectation is to score at least 14 goals this season, with 4 of them as own goals. The more shots we fired into the opponent box; the greater chance of own goals scored. Mikel Arteta must improve the team to take more shots at goal.

[u]Benchmark #5 – Squad Rotation[/u]

Mikel Arteta had failed to build up a strong squad to challenge for the title plus challenging for silverwares on all 4 fronts. A damning statement on his poor man-management is that for two consecutive seasons, his team was mentally and physically fatigued and hit a slump in April/May period. This shortcoming is not acceptable for a third season in a row. We have great individual players but do we have a squad?

Remember, Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” It’s a powerful reminder that individual skills may get you far, but true greatness emerges when we collaborate and work together as a squad.