A glimmer of hope for Arsenal?
"Toothless." "Outplayed." "Stagnant."The recriminations are loud after Arsenal's latest chance at silverware slipped away in dismal fashion at Newcastle on Wednesday night.Despite improving Arsenal beyond recognition, Mikel Arteta has only one trophy (an FA Cup early in his tenure during Covid times) to show for his sterling work at Emirates Stadium and criticism is ramping up.However, is there a shaft of light among the gloom at Emirates Stadium?Last season, the Gunners were booted out of the FA Cup by Liverpool and flew to Dubai to lick their wounds and refresh with some warm-weather training.When they came back, they went on a rampage.
Sixteen wins, one defeat and one draw in the Premier League was an incredible finish and, while they fell short of a relentless Manchester City, they took the title race to the wire.Something equivalent will likely be required this time to have any hope of hauling in leaders LiverpoolAnd, after last night's disappointment, Arsenal wasted no time in heading for the Middle East once again, boarding a plane shortly after their semi-final.Indeed, they are already there, soaking up the sunshine, reflecting on the season so far and, no doubt, beginning the "recharge" Mikel Arteta said was necessary.Appetising fixtures at Leicester and West Ham on their return offer opportunity for encouragement before things get serious at Nottingham Forest and the return of the Champions League.Yes, they still have to go to Old Trafford and Anfield while home games with Chelsea and a rematch with Newcastle are far from easy. Trips to all of the bottom three could also cause anxiety.However, Arteta now has this space to get his players fired up and focused. If he succeeds, Arsenal's season is far from over.
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