Mikel Arteta was given a huge task to turn around Arsenal’s fortunes – but did inherit one piece of good fortune.
Arsenal are blessed with their best crop of youngsters for some years and if Arteta is to succeed then youth will have to be at the heart of his long term plan.
Teenager Bukayo Saka, 18, is proving to be a revelation after providing his tenth assist of the season in the home win over Everton on Sunday.
Eddie Nketiah also scored against Everton and is established as a firm favourite with the fans because, ultimately, supporters will always get behind a home grown player coming through the ranks.
But it goes beyond those two as Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles must also be given a chance in the Arteta revolution.
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The flip side is that all five must step up to the plate and take their opportunity by proving they are good enough.
But the best teams, the best success stories, generally have home grown players as a big part of their squad as they provide extra excitement, energy and know what it means to play for the club.
Arteta faces a difficult summer with limited money to spend. A battle ensues to keep hold of the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, although the Arsenal manager hopes that improvements in performances and results will persuade them to stay.
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They also face a battle to keep Saka as he is into the final two years of his contract, they have offered him a five-year deal and want him to stay.
But for the rest, this is a big year ahead and they have to take strides. Willock looks a big prospect and Arteta has spoken about his potential in glowing terms. He must stay grounded to keep pushing on.
Nelson, 20, was a regular this season until injury began to bite and has struggled in recent weeks. The England under-21 winger was arguably ahead of Jadon Sancho a few seasons back but now needs to get back to that level.
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Maitland-Niles, 22, is another interesting one as he is a huge prospect who played in England’s under-17s World Cup win in 2017.
The England under-21 star has often filled in at right back or right wing back when he is a midfielder and having to play out of position has definitely affected his confidence.
But now Maitland-Niles probably deserves to be considered and given a chance as a midfielder to really know if he can kick on under Arteta.
The FA set-up believe Maitland-Niles is a Premier League player, has the attributes to step up into the seniors and now it is down to Arteta to coach and bring through his youngsters.
Arsenal do not have huge sums to spend. It will take clever management. And that means giving youth a chance.
Midfield is one area where they may be opportunities as Matteo Guendouzi could be sold this summer to raise cash.
Arteta coached the best out of players under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and now the challenge is to repeat the same at Arsenal.
