This season has been a major rollercoaster for everybody connected with Arsenal. A poor start to the season saw the exit of Spanish head coach Unai Emery, who was replaced by compatriot Mikel Arteta.
While the former Manchester City assistant head coach is not a miracle worker, there have been signs that the Gunners are moving in the right direction.
The former Gunners captain has improved the defensive set-up of the team, although there was only so much he could do without investing in big-money signings in the January transfer window. The noises coming out of the club over transfer funds this summer are not good. Luckily Arteta seems to have learnt well at the side of City boss Pep Guardiola.
The apprentice got the better of his master on Saturday, as the Gunners defeated Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals. A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang booked Arsenal’s place in the final against London rivals Chelsea.
With all the other trophies out of reach, winning the FA Cup would constitute success considering how the season began. Arteta has only been in situ for a short amount of time. Winning a trophy after less than a year in charge would be a good achievement for the rookie head coach.
The Gunners are currently tenth-place in the table with just two league games remaining. They are just three points behind Wolves, who occupy seventh-place, which would be enough to secure Europa League football for next season.
However, of course, if Arsenal wins the FA Cup, then they would get the qualification spot instead of the seventh-place team. Either way, they have a good chance of European football next season, even if it is not Champions League football.
Things look slightly brighter under Arteta for Arsenal’s future. There is no doubt that the majority of Gunners fans are pleased with how their rookie boss is performing in his role so far. Whether he can take the team to the next level only time will tell.