On the final day of the Premier League season, Arsenal romped a weakened Everton side 5-1 at the Emirates. It was a fun spectacle to cap off the season, but unfortunately not enough to secure top four after Spurs also put five past Norwich. Nevertheless, the cohesive display and lively atmosphere at the ground provided an optimistic note for the campaign’s conclusion. Arsenal now enter a decisive summer having finished fifth in the league. Below are three Hits and three Misses from a fun finale.
HITS
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli had a busy day, finding himself involved in plenty of key moments throughout the match. His shot cannoned into Alex Iwobi’s arm to earn his side a penalty, which he dispatched with aplomb for the game’s first goal. Three minutes later, he helped on Bukayo Saka’s corner kick for Eddie Nketiah to head home. The Brazilian was a constant threat on the day, combining well with Nuno Tavares down the left flank. With a new number on his back next season, it will be fascinating to watch him go to the next level.
Nuno Tavares
Speaking of the Portuguese left-back, Tavares had another good game against Everton. Tavares made a number of good runs in behind the Toffees’ defense, and created some dangerous situations in their penalty box. It is reminiscent of his performances earlier in the season when he legitimately looked like Kieran Tierney a run for his money in the position. He and Martinelli have formed an intriguing duo on the left side of Arsenal’s lineup. It unfortunately begs the question of why Tavares was not utilized more during the run-in Hopefully he too can build on this end to the season.
Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian put on a clinic on Sunday, combining tremendously with Saka throughout the match and generally orchestrating Arsenal’s attacking moves. Odegaard has not had a great couple of weeks, but he showed the class that he’s capable of against Everton, floating around in midfield and receiving the ball in clever pockets. The cherry on top was a marvelous solo goal that he stroked into the far bottom corner. This summer, it will be on Arsenal to sign some forwards the creative Norwegian can provide assists for.
MISSES
Alexandre Lacazette
At one point in the season, Lacazette was Arsenal’s emotional leader on the pitch. He has been a good servant to the club, but today was very likely his final appearance for the Gunners, and few would disagree with the decision to let him move on. Nketiah’s score today makes him Arsenal’s top-scoring striker on the season, needing just five goals to surpass Lacazette’s tally. Unfortunately, the Frenchman’s ineffectiveness was an Achilles’ heel of sorts this season. On Sunday, he once again failed to make an impact, even against a putrid Everton side. And now, Arsenal fans can look forward to their team bringing in a better center-forward.
Arsenal when the pressure is on
Watching a free-scoring Arsenal on Sunday was a terrific spectacle, but it also came with a tinge of disappointment. This is the same group of players who took the pitch against Newcastle, when two consecutive wins would have propelled Arsenal to fourth place. However, they seemingly crumbled under the weight of the occasion. Now, with the pressure off, Mikel Arteta’s charges sailed to a dominant win. It speaks to a lack of maturity and mental fortitude in the current side. Hopefully, the experiences of this season and some reinforcements in the summer can help Arsenal overcome that.
The January transfer window
By not bringing in any signings in January, Arsenal took a big risk. It’s a gamble that now understandably looks miscalculated in light of the club’s fifth-placed finish. Perhaps the wholesale clear-out Arsenal embarked upon will allow them to go after marquee signings despite being unable to offer Champions League football. But with Bentancur and Kulusevski, Spurs’ two acquisitions from the winter transfer window, combining for their team’s first goal against Norwich today, Arsenal’s strategy four months ago has to feel somewhat regrettable at this moment.
It has been a pleasure to bring you “Hits and Misses” for these last few matches of the season. This column will return for the 2022-23 campaign, covering every Arsenal match. If you enjoyed this article, follow me on Twitter @dopegooner.
