Arsenal's 2021/22 season has been over for a while and now is a great opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows from the past nine months.
Before a ball had been kicked the campaign was always going to be a different one for the Gunners than usual as for the first time in over two decades there was no European football on offer having failed to finish higher than eighth in the Premier League table during the season prior.
As a result, Mikel Arteta was able to mold the squad into his vision and he took a massive risk in both transfer windows. Signing six players aged 23 or under highlighted Arsenal's new strategy, but allowing the likes of Willian, David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave placed greater emphasis on the young players.
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To their credit, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all enjoyed impressive campaigns in their own right, whilst Aaron Ramsdale surprised many and changed a lot of opinions following his £24million move from Sheffield United and Martin Odegaard is a contender to be named next Arsenal captain.
However, it was a lack of experience on the pitch as well as injuries to Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey that ultimately cost the Gunners as despite holding a four-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur with three games to play, they still managed to finish below their bitter rivals.
Therefore, it will be Europa League football for Arsenal next season and winning the competition might just be their best route back into the Champions League after a six-year absence as Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United are all expected to improve significantly to provide another exciting the top-four race.
So how would you rate Arsenal's season? Did Mikel Arteta deserve his new contract? Are you excited for the future? What business needs to be done in the summer transfer window? Which loan players could return to play a role next season? Have your say by filling out our form above.
