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Arsenal 2017/18 Premier League season review

Arsene Wenger salutes the Arsenal crowd

Arsenal finished the 2017/18 Premier League season in sixth place.

Read on for our review of their campaign, complete with the views of Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas.

Finishing position: 6th (-1)
Total points: 63 (-12)
FA Cup: Third round
Carabao Cup: Runners-up
Europa League: Semi-finals
Top scorer: Alexandre Lacazette (14)

Arsenal's dismal season culminated in Arsene Wenger's emotional departure after 22 years in charge. The Frenchman had signed a two-year contract in May 2017, but it never looked likely that the FA Cup final win over Chelsea at the end of last season was going to inspire a change in fortunes in the bigger competitions.

Arsenal started the campaign in disarray, losing 4-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in only their third game, and their form deteriorated further in the second half of the season. By the end, it was Arsenal's lowest finish and their lowest points total of the Wenger era.

Empty seats at the Emirates Stadium became a worrying trend, but supporters did rally behind their under-fire manager once his mutual departure was confirmed. A season of disharmony and disappointment ended with a show of gratitude to Wenger and a feeling of optimism about what comes next.

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Watch highlights of Arsenal's 1-0 win over Huddersfield

Best day of 2017/18

Also See:

Arsenal gave Wenger a fitting send-off both on and off the pitch against Burnley, winning 5-0 on an emotional day at the Emirates Stadium.

Worst day of 2017/18

The 3-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City was a bitter disappointment which underlined the gulf between Wenger's side and the elite.

Jack Wilshere looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium
Image: Arsenal were beaten 3-0 in the Carabao Cup final

CHARLIE NICHOLAS'S VERDICT

Managerial review

We've covered this ground a thousand times but it was well below his and the club's previous standards, which he has ultimately paid the price for.

Player of the year

I don't think anybody has earned the tag of player of the year. I think a lack of respect was shown to Alexandre Lacazette by dropping him for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but they have proved they are better together. Mesut Ozil hasn't had a great season but he has still been the best creative player, but I have to abstain as none of them deserve it.

2018/19 prospects

I am optimistic because now we've cleared the path to bring somebody new in, they will be able to fix the issues that Wenger has failed to see. I don't have a problem with Brendan Rodgers or Luis Enrique, but I think Massimiliano Allegri is number one because he'd sort the defence out. I think somebody who can bring pace and aggression back to the side would improve us.

Sky Bet odds for Premier League title 2018/19: 25/1

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