Football
Exclusive: Alex Song Blames Injuries for Arsenal’s Shortcomings, Urges Summer Reinforcements
After consecutive seasons of unfulfilled potential, Arsenal must address injuries and make quality signings to challenge for the league title, says former player Alex Song. Despite speculation, Song believes Arteta is capable of delivering success with the team's progress under his leadership.
Alex Song
Arsenal's last two seasons have been a tale of unfulfilled potential.
After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in 2023-2024, the Gunners were shocked to miss out on a Champions League spot following a heartbreaking defeat to PSG in the semifinals.
According to Alex Song, a former Arsenal player, the solution to the team's problems lies in addressing the injury crisis and making quality signings.
In an exclusive interview, Song told SportsBoom.com: "Last season, we missed out on a few things because we didn't have a striker. All our strikers were injured, and it was very close. The guys were playing well, but in the end, we didn't win because of the injuries."
Despite Jorginho's departure and speculation surrounding Thomas Partey's future with the club, Song remains optimistic about Arsenal's title chances.
"I think Arsenal deserve to win the league. We're always close; hopefully next season will be our year."
Song believes that avoiding tough injuries and bolstering the squad will be key to success next season.
"If we don't have so many injuries and bring in more players to strengthen the team, I think the guys are playing very well. They just need to continue improving and proving themselves every year."
Arteta is capable of delivering
Song praised Mikel Arteta's progress since joining the club in 2019, citing a 58% winning record in 290 games.
"He's doing a great job. Mikel is doing a very good job. Since he took over, you can see how the team has been progressing."
Under Arteta, Arsenal have won two FA Cups, and Song believes the Spanish manager is equal to the task of delivering a league title.
"Hopefully, next year will be the year we expect, because it's been a long time since we've won anything."
Jeremiah Omoniyi is a developmental sports Journalist with over five years of experience writing about grassroots and international football and sporting events. Jeremiah’s forte in sports journalism are feature writing and interviews which he has done to a reasonable amount within his home country, Nigeria.