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Arteta's decisive decision gives hope to Arsenal's Premier League ambitions



Arsenal’s season effectively ended when they were knocked out of the Europa League semi-finals by Villarreal and Mikel Arteta is under growing pressure as manager

Mikel Arteta ‘s first full season as Arsenal manager has prompted more questions than answers.

The Gunners looked to have turned a corner under their inexperienced but tactful Spanish boss after beating Chelsea to a record-breaking 14th FA Cup in August last year.

But that Wembley triumph is now long in the memory after a disastrous campaign that has left them loitering in mid-table in the Premier League.

The North London club are still reeling from last week’s poor Europa League semi-final exit to Villarreal, managed by former boss Unai Emery.

Arteta failed to muster any intensity from his players in their biggest game of the season as they ended their final hopes of Champions League qualification with a whimper.







Arsenal’s Europa League exit to Villarreal was the low-point of Arteta’s reign
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It was a performance that surmised plenty of the frustration at the Emirates this season and the 3-1 victory over now-doomed West Brom on Sunday has done little to brighten the mood.

Arteta has a huge summer ahead as he prepares for the club’s first season without European competition in 25 years.

The 39-year-old could oversee a huge squad overhaul with several senior players reportedly seeking a departure.

Many fans have questioned the lack of identity installed by Arteta as a key issue in Arsenal’s demise but there has been some reason for cautious optimism with a new system implemented in the league.







Lacazette could be one of several senior Arsenal stars heading for the exit door
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As reported by Goal, Arteta has reaped some reward from settling on his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation in the league since Christmas.

The report notes that since sticking to the new system, only Manchester City (57), Manchester United (44) and Chelsea (39) have gained more Premier League’s points than the Gunners (38).

Midfielders like Dani Ceballos, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny have provided a solid base in the formation and its effectiveness could by improved with a number of key signings in the upcoming transfer window.

Arteta will be desperate to compete domestically again and this much-needed consistency in the 4-2-3-1 setup could be a platform to build from next season.

The Gunners boss is under no illusions in terms of poor results this term but has seen progress in performance levels.







Arteta has found some rare consistency with his preferred formation
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“What we have done in terms of performances compared to last year, the way the team is, the identity of the team, [the difference] is night and day,” he said

“But results wise it has not been [what we wanted] over 38 games. We have managed to things we haven’t for five years, winning against the top teams. But we are not where we want to be.

“In Europe we were very close, an inch, a post, dictates failure or success. That’s what we have done.”

Arteta will be hoping his side can end a poor season positively in the last three league games, starting at Stamford Bridge against Champions League finalists Chelsea on Wednesday evening.





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