The 2023/2024 season is right around the corner, the last season saw a major improvement from Arsenal in almost every metric as they unexpectedly challenged for the Premier League title and despite just missing out, the campaign sparked a new sense of optimism round the club. And with that brings brand new expectations ahead of a new season, and here I’m going to predict how I think Arsenal’s 2023/24 season will play out.
PREMIER LEAGUE: 2ND PLACE
My Premier League prediction for the 2023/24 season is a second consecutive runners up finish. However, this isn’t to say Arsenal can’t or don’t have enough to become champions. The summer additions make Arsenal stronger as they look to close the gap. However, the reality is Manchester City under Pep Guardiola are a winning machine and it’s hard to see a reality where they don’t win a fourth title in a row. Another title challenge should be seen as a solid campaign for The Gunners however.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: QUARTER FINALS
It’s difficult to predict how this upcoming UCL campaign will go for Mikel Arteta’s side. As their fate largely rests on who their opponents will be in their group and the knockouts if they get past the group stage, as well as the fact the club haven’t kicked a ball in the competition since 2017.
Despite that, I think reaching the quarters is an acceptable goal for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in European football’s biggest competition.
FA CUP: WINNERS
Arsenal are the record winners of the FA cup, winning it a grand total of 14 times – with their last success coming in 2020 and they’ve won more than anyone else. It’s their trophy and i think they’ll taste more success in the world’s oldest and best domestic cup competition and win it for the 15th time and 2nd with Arteta as manager.
CARABAO CUP: QUARTER FINALS
The Carabao Cup has never been a competition which Mikel Arteta has taken properly seriously – which can be seen when his side exited the competition in the 3rd round at home vs Brighton last season. And I think it’ll be a similar story this season, although i think they’ll go a slight step further and reach the quarter finals.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON: MARTIN ODEGAARD
Predicting the club’s player of the season is difficult. As there are many players that can easily win the award come the end of the season. Although, my personal pick is for captain Martin Odegaard to win the accolade for a second consecutive year.
The Norwegian was fantastic last season, and I’m predicting another strong season from the midfielder as he looks to continue being the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s team.
TOP GOALSCORER: GABRIEL MARTINELLI
Similar to the POTS award, predicting who will be Arsenal’s top goalscorer in the upcoming season is difficult as there are a number of players who can very easily come out on top. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard can all score a strong number of goals but I’m going to give it to Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli. The 22 year old was Arsenal’s joint top scorer last season with 15 goals and is arguably Arsenal’s best and most clinical finisher in front of goal and I believe he’ll hit even more this time as he gets a year older.
SIGNING OF THE SEASON: DECLAN RICE
All of Arsenal’s summer signings (at the time of writing) are impressive and help improve the overall squad. Kai Havertz, Jurrien TImber and David Raya are all fantastic additions however it’s got to be Declan Rice for signing of the season.
The main reason for this is because the new record signing is the one most likely to play the most games with the other signings not necessarily guaranteed starters at the moment in time. Rice will no doubt be a brilliant addition to Arsenal’s midfield and will justify the hefty price tag.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: ETHAN NWANERI
Another difficult one to call, this one, however I’m going to go slightly out there and predict 16 year old Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal’s 2023/24 breakthrough player.
The youngster made headlines last season as he became the Premier League’s youngest ever player away at Brentford at 15 years old. And the decision to bring him on was much more than a PR stunt, Nwaneri is extremely talented. He’s skillful, intelligent and versatile and was really impressive in his first team cameo Vs Nurnberg in a recent friendly andI believe he’s going to make a number of first team appearances this season and cement himself as one of the best young talents around.