Arsenal's Fall From Grace

Born in October 1886 Arsenal have a rich history within the English game. The club based in Islington, London was the first member from South England to join the football league. Having only been relegated once in their 135 year history the Gunners have had the longest run in the top flight, winning the second most top-flight matches in English football.

Arsenal's early success was undoubted in the 1930's a historic Arsenal side won the league five times also collecting two FA cups along the way. With football being disrupted by WWII Arsenal tasted little success again until the 1970/71 season, in this they won the league and cup double for the first time. Arsenal began to grow formidable in the late 1980's where homegrown stars Winterburn, DIxon, Bould and Adams starred in an iconic defence. This defence was the spine of a side that won the league in the last minute against Liverpool in the 88/89 season under George Graham. After having continuous success in the early 90's collecting a league title in 1991 only losing one game, the league and cup double in 1993 and even having European success in 1994, Arsenal were building a legacy that most clubs could only dream of.

Things were destined to get better for the club when the hired an aspiring, charismatic French coach in the 1996 season. Arsene Wenger built a side that was unbeatable (literally). Wenger signed talents such as Vieira and Henry who starred in a side that won the Premier League without losing a game the only English side to ever do so. Arsenal's first success with Wenger came in the 97/98 season where they won the league and cup double, this continued throughout the early 2000's. The club won another league title in the 01/02 season and were also successful in the 2003 and 2005 FA cups. Wenger was building a dynasty that would last forever at Arsenal and after going 49 Premier League matches unbeaten (a national record) Arsenal looked as if they would rule the English game infinitely. With all the glamour Arsenal did not see the cracks seeping through the club. Wenger's longevity and success was beginning to get inconsistent and Arsenal began to crumble.

After moving to the Emirates stadium in 2006 Arsenal's new era had begun. The club remained in and around the top 4 of the Premier League with Wenger in charge. However, in the 16/17 season Arsenal finished outside the top 4 for the first time with Wenger at the helm. Arsenal fans began getting frustrated with mediocrity after experiencing so much success. The club remained to be successful in the FA cup raising their total to 14 which is an English club record. Although they had some joy Arsenal's performances started becoming very inconsistent and after finishing 5th for the first time ever Wenger decided to call it a day. So much optimism arose from Wenger's exit as fans thought that he was the main reason for Arsenal's under par performances however, they were soon to find out that maybe he was not the issue.

Unai Emery took charge at the beginning of the 17/18 season with high hopes going into the new season Emery had some success. He finished 5th in a very competitive premier league season and also made it to the Europa league final. The board at Arsenal were still not impressed and he was sacked in 2019 after multiple poor performances. It seemed to go from bad to worse every time Arsenal played and with the appointment of an inexperienced Mikel Arteta Arsenal fans had not even seen the worst of it yet.

Arteta's FA cup triumph in the 19/20 season acted as a façade to cover up the horrendous season Arsenal had just had and he was rewarded with a new contract. An average Arsenal side finished 8th in two consecutive seasons under Arteta with some woeful performances. From title challengers to top four getters to a mid-table side Arsenal's crest had fallen. Having such poor ownership one could argue that it is not purely the managers fault, with multiple unsuccessful signings. With 120 million spent in the present window and still a lack of improvement you have to wonder, when will it get better. The exciting talent of Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka are the only hope Arsenal have to hold onto right now after their demise. Who knows how long they will have to wait to challenge for the title again the future is unknown.