There are a few talking points in relation to Arsenal's disastrous 2014-15 Champions League campaign, with their collapse to French giants Monaco being the biggest of all. The gunners did their best to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit when they defeated Monaco away from home 2-0, but alas the gunners were once again victims of the away-goals rule and saw themselves exited from the tournament in as early as the round of 16 for fifth successive year! The harsh reality is as simple as this, Arsenal were never going to win Europe's premier prize, thus the pill wasn't as hard to swallow as it should have been. but being in a tournament for 17 consecutive seasons does suggest however that a lot needs to be done to fix this team.
Per Mertesacker, the vice-captain who at times seems clueless on the pitch, should be reprimanded a million times over for his at times chaotic contributions that have seen Arsenal suffer defeat due to defensive complexities! Per, at one point, was the ideal signing that Arsenal needed just a few seasons ago when he signed for the team, but that slowly has converted into a mistake that should have never happened, and now it's time maybe for Mertesacker to finally go! Koscielny has been the rock of defense over the past few games, and he's not only been tasked with the job of covering his half, but also at times covering the gaping hole left by Mertesacker on more than one occasion. Arsenal are in dire need of a new CB, and this has to be on Arsene Wenger's to-do list come this summer! Something simple as defensive complacency will once again prove to be the club's Achilles heel, as it has been for many seasons.
Olivier Giroud must be commended for his effort as the main striker, as he scored against West Ham this past weekend, and on Tuesday night against Monaco in scintillating fashion! Giroud was again on target in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Newcastle, scoring both goals to increase the Gunner's chances for Champions League qualification. The team is once again ready and fully prepared for an epic end of season, as Wenger and his men aim for a second successive FA Cup victory! Will we however see some fantastic summer signings after the season wraps up?
In reality, good performances will take Arsenal so far, but a fantastic performance and some superb additions to the club will make a better team become the best! Wenger will need to recapture his glory days, or what's left of it, by signing the players he need, and releasing the players that need to finally go, but Gunner fans, march on, up up Gunners!
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