Fourth place is par for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger saved face by extending his record to 16 consecutive top-four finishes but the team still appear some way short of actually winning something.
Given the focus and determination shown on the run-in — losing only once in their last 16 Premier League games — it raises the question of why that concentration took so long to come to the fore.
A shortfall of quality in key positions was also in evidence and Wenger must undertake the necessary squad surgery over the summer to take advantage of the uncertainty created by managerial changes at Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Manager Arsene Wenger: 6 out of 10
Failure to seriously challenge for any trophy must not be forgotten despite fine form on run-in. But did achieve Arsenal’s minimum requirement.
Best player: Santi Cazorla
Best signing: Santi Cazorla (£12m from Malaga)
Who/what they need in the summer
A new spine — goalkeeper, defensive midfielder and centre-forward. Right-back may also need strengthening if Bacary Sagna departs. Signing Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre is one thing but Arsenal need proven quality and at least one marquee name to show their intent. Wayne Rooney would fit the bill but a deal is unlikely at this stage. Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic (above) is a possibility.
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