2018 saw a huge change happen at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal, one that could have gone one of two ways.
Arsene Wenger finally decided to walk away from the Gunners after 22-years at the helm, which saw Unai Emery take over the reins and try to bring success back to north London.
Things did not start as planned for the Spaniard, as he saw his side beaten by both Manchester City and Chelsea in his first two games.
However, since then, Emery has not tasted defeat and has guided his team to an unbeaten run of 20 matches, which has included positive results against Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Two of Arsenal’s stars have been key to how the former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla manager has been able to completely change things at the Emirates Stadium and have clearly been the club’s best players this year as 2018 comes to an end.
Lucas Torreira
Lucas Torreira became Emery’s fourth signing in the summer when he joined from Sampdoria in a deal thought to be worth around £26million.
And, arguably, he has been the Spaniard’s best player at the club since his arrival. The Uruguay international found it difficult to get his opportunity to begin with, however, he finally got his chance and took it with both hands.
His place in the side was held back after an impressive World Cup campaign with the South Americans, but he has not looked back since being in the side and has earned rave reviews in the short time he has been in London.
The 22-year-old has also managed to give Arsenal the identity that they had lacked in the middle of the field, whilst many have believed he was the type of player that Wenger needed to try and bring in to replace the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.
Torreira’s future is certainly exciting and is definitely one to keep an eye on as 2019 approaches.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived in January of this year from Borussia Dortmund in a deal thought to be worth around £56m and hit red-hot form almost instantly.
The Gabon international fired 10 goals in his 13 Premier League games last season and has continued to hit the heights as a Gunner.
The 29-year-old has already equalled his tally and with over half-a-season to still be played, looks on course to hit well over the 20-goal mark.
Donning the legendary Number-14 shirt, once worn by a certain Thierry Henry, Aubameyang certainly does not appear to have let the pressure on his shoulders affect him and actually looks to be thriving.
Should the forward continue 2019 in the same vein, Emery could bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium in his first year in charge.
Arsenal fans – thoughts?