A second place finish in the Premier League is more than respectable.
In fact Arsenal’s runner up spot in the league this season was a remarkable achievement, it was the Gunners’ highest finish in 11 years and came at the expense of North London rival, Tottenham Hotspur, for the 21st season in succession.
The problem with Arsenal’s season was that despite finishing so high in the table, few can say that this year was a missed opportunity for Arsene Wenger’s team.
The Landlord at the Tavern believes that on paper, Arsenal have the best side in the Premier League, and this year, without a doubt, should have gone on to win the title, especially with all the other big names fading away.
Yes, this season will always be remembered by Leicester’s heroics but had Arsenal consistently performed, they would have run away with the title.
Here are FIVE Arsenal players who’s futures are certainly up in the air.. What is next for them?
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
Theo Walcott
Walcott had an absolute shocker last season.
The 26- year-old failed to make into Roy Hodgson’s England squad after a series of diabolical performances.
Walcott failed to make an impact regularly on either the scoresheet or by claiming assists, Walcott was involved in just 15 goals throughout the campaign, a terrible record for a player of Walcott’s quality.
Walcott has some big choices to make, Arsenal look willing to keep him in the squad for the upcoming season or Walcott could be on his way out of the Emirates to West Ham.
Tavern tip: Walcott should stay at Arsenal and prove his worth, he has a long summer to prepare for next year.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Like Walcott, Chamberlain has always been dubbed to be “the next big thing”.
The 22-year-old has failed to live up to his potential as of yet and like his fellow team-mate will not be on the plane to France with the England national team this summer, this is however due to injury.
Chamerblain is very exciting on the ball but scored just 1 goal all season and only managed to claim a single assist too.
Tavern tip: Very similar situation to Walcott but Chamberlain has a lot longer to improve on his ability. Chamberlain should stay at Arsenal and fight for a place in the Arsenal line up, he is more than capable of beating Walcott and Campbell to a place on the wing.
Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs will be very disappointed with Arsenal’s season.
The 26-year-old barely played for Wenger’s team this season after being forced out of the side due to Nacho Monreal’s great form.
Gibbs is another Gunner who failed to make it into the England squad and will surely look to sign for another club, as Arsenal look increasingly confident of snapping up Wolfsburg full back Ricardo Rodriguez.
Tavern tip: The Landlord at the Tavern is a massive Gibbs fan and hates to say it but it is time for Gibbs to go elsewhere and salvage his career with some game time, it doesn’t look likely at the Emirates.
Mathieu Flamini
Flamini is one of the most passionate players that has ever put on an Arsenal shirt but his time has surely come.
The Frenchman never looked good enough to be in the Arsenal side this season with his only great moment coming at White Hart Lane, with an absolute wonder strike in the Capital One Cup.
Flamini is past his sell-by date and like Arteta, is simply not good enough for the Arsenal midfield anymore.
Tavern tip: Flamini should stay in the Premier League, perhaps at a side such as Middlesborough and toughen up the team and provide a real challenge for himself.
Olivier Giroud
Last but not least, Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman has almost been disgraced this season despite being the club’s top scorer.
The 29- year-old scored 24 goals in 53 games for Arsenal this season but failed to score in a shocking 15 game spell from January to May, where Arsenal ultimately lost the title.
Tavern tip: Do Arsenal fans a favour and leave whilst you still have time to play somewhere else, Morata and Welbeck are far better striking options.
