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What A Year 
2020
[A THREAD - 5min READ]
With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!
...or more to the point, how did Mikel do?
#Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review
![What A Year 2020[A THREAD - 5min READ]With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!...or more to the point, how did Mikel do? #Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqilH7yXAAEkxGC.jpg "What A Year 2020[A THREAD - 5min READ]With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!...or more to the point, how did Mikel do? #Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review")
![What A Year 2020[A THREAD - 5min READ]With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!...or more to the point, how did Mikel do? #Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqilH7yW4AQmRdq.jpg "What A Year 2020[A THREAD - 5min READ]With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!...or more to the point, how did Mikel do? #Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review")
2020[A THREAD - 5min READ]
With the final ball of 2020, in the Premier League having been kicked, how did we do?!
...or more to the point, how did Mikel do?
#Arteta1stYear #Arsenal #AFC #AFC2020Review
...In addition to cup success, quite well actually!
(Before you get angry, Iām considering the calendar year, not this season alone.)
(Before you get angry, Iām considering the calendar year, not this season alone.)
Arteta took the reins just over a year ago, and excluding his opening two matches (a draw away to Bournemouth and a home defeat to Chelsea in 2019),
the 2020 Annual table shows his league performance as Arsenal Head Coach/Manager:
https://www.transfermarkt.us/premier-league/jahrestabelle/wettbewerb/GB1/saison_id/2020
the 2020 Annual table shows his league performance as Arsenal Head Coach/Manager:
https://www.transfermarkt.us/premier-league/jahrestabelle/wettbewerb/GB1/saison_id/2020
We finished last season in 8th,
and 8th reflects Artetaās performance for the calendar year, encompassing 34 games.
and 8th reflects Artetaās performance for the calendar year, encompassing 34 games.
Arteta has significantly improved our DEFENCE - even if it doesnāt always feel that way.We notably conceded 37 goals (1.09 gpg) compared to:
2019 - 51 goals (from 38 games), 1.34 gpg;
2018 - 55 goals (from 37 games), 1.49 gpg;
Artetaās work rebalancing our ATTACK is still at a formative stage, with the creative contributions of the likes of Ćzil and Ramsey from midfield in recent years sorely missed, and yet to be replaced in any proven way.
2020 - 47 goals (from 34 games), 1.38 gpg;
2019 - 57 goals (from 38 games), 1.5 gpg;
2018 - 78 goals (from 37 games), 2.11 gpg;
2019 - 57 goals (from 38 games), 1.5 gpg;
2018 - 78 goals (from 37 games), 2.11 gpg;
In 2020 we ranked:
5th best defence (this ranking has been maintained so far in the 2020-21 season);
5th best defence (this ranking has been maintained so far in the 2020-21 season);
...and 10th best attack (this ranking has dipped significantly of recent to 15th, in the 2020-21 season);
With the season almost halfway through, can Arteta improve on Arsenalās 2020 form ranking of 8th?
YES, I think so.
Our defence will only grow in confidence and cohesion as our recent signings bed in.
Our defence will only grow in confidence and cohesion as our recent signings bed in.
And Arsenalās attack?
With the imminent opening of the January transfer window, Edu and Arteta have the opportunity to complete some shrewd business to narrow our creative chasm.
With the imminent opening of the January transfer window, Edu and Arteta have the opportunity to complete some shrewd business to narrow our creative chasm.
Additionally, ESR and Martinelli could see their creative contribution grow this year, as they benefit from a run in the team, alongside Saka.
And will Auba have as fallow a 2nd half of the season, as the 1st half has been?
Iād be surprised.
Iād be surprised.
Injuries notwithstanding, I still feel optimistic for an improved 2nd half to the season.
It canāt get much worse right!?
Right.
It canāt get much worse right!?
Right.
The league is more closely fought this season than for many a year.
Teams are not so far apart pointswise at this stage, with just 14 points separating 15 places.
Iām optimistic Arteta will finish 7th or higher this season.
āReally!?!ā
YES, I am.
Teams are not so far apart pointswise at this stage, with just 14 points separating 15 places.
Iām optimistic Arteta will finish 7th or higher this season.
āReally!?!ā
YES, I am.
Conversely,
ā7th!?!!!ā - for the mighty Arsenal, I hear you say
ā7th!?!!!ā - for the mighty Arsenal, I hear you say
We are not where we were when Wenger finished 6th in 2017/18.
We are not where we were when Emery finished 5th - just a single point (and goal difference) off 4th, following a late season implosion in 2018/19.
We have declined further, a decline that perversely, arguably began as soon as we rolled up at the Carpet in 2006/07
a decline that accelerated in recent years, a decline that Arteta is tasked with arresting, and a decline the nadir of which I believe we reached this month (at least as far as league position is concerned).
In his first managerial role, less than 40 league games deep, in his first full season as Arsenal boss,
Artetaās rebuild is ongoing, and will require further progress in terms of recruitment, a clear out, and the transmission of his ideas to the players.
Artetaās rebuild is ongoing, and will require further progress in terms of recruitment, a clear out, and the transmission of his ideas to the players.
His achievements and setbacks on the way to completing a successful rebuild are a topic for another thread,
but Iām optimistic heāll get there.
but Iām optimistic heāll get there.
What does SUCCESS look like for Arteta this season?
Well for me it has to be Champions League qualification. (And yes of course, an FA Cup would represent āaā success too.)
Well for me it has to be Champions League qualification. (And yes of course, an FA Cup would represent āaā success too.)
...from the depths of 13th position right now, Iām not going to argue with you that itās at all likely (through the league or UEL), but Iāll still dream.
But failing āsuccessā,
from where stand right now,
PROGRESS for me would be a minimum 7th place finish,
followed by a major squad purge (with all due respect), and enhanced quality replacements in over the summer.
from where stand right now,
PROGRESS for me would be a minimum 7th place finish,
followed by a major squad purge (with all due respect), and enhanced quality replacements in over the summer.
Hereās hoping 2021 will be a good one for the Arsenal, and Gooners everywhere! 
