The tale of the two North London clubs were in contrast to one another at the end of the season. On one hand, there was Tottenham Hotspur on the other Arsenal. Supporters were ecstatic at the return of their club to the Champions League.
A few miles away, the mood was sour at the Emirates. There was disappointment, and a sense of frustration as the Gunner narrowly fell short of a place in the Champions League. They were on course for a return to Europe’s elite club competition after a 6-year absence. But they crumbled in the final phase of the season. They now have to be content with a place in the Europa League.
The allure and money associated with Champions League football is something every club and their fans desire. But if there is one silver lining Arsenal fans can take is that the promising young players among their ranks can get game time. Arsenal have relied heavily on youth in the past few years. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are prominent names to come out of Hale End in recent years.
A Refreshing Change
This seems to be the strategy for manager Mikel Arteta next season as well. If reports from The Sun are to be believed, the Spaniard aims to integrate Omari Hutchinson, Miguel Azeez and Charlie Patino into the first team in the 2022/23 season. Hutchinson, infact has been tipped to surpass Bukayo Saka as well.
Football in recent years has been dominated with the news of big-money moves. The recent saga of Kylian Mbappe bears testament to this.Although, In such a scenario, it is great to see clubs actually integrating talent organically and using them to achieve their targets.
On the other end too, it must be a dream come true for the youngsters to play for their beloved dreams. However, despite the disappointment of this season, Arsenal fans can be in for an exciting campaign next season.
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