Sunday's win over Newcastle means Arsenal will almost certainly finish second in the Premier League for the third year running, and of course people are asking how they might take the next step and land a major trophy. I've been there myself and, while it can sometimes feel very easy when you are always winning things, I know how difficult it is as a player when you keep getting so close without getting any reward. As well as your own disappointment, you have to deal with all the noise around what has gone wrong - all the doom and gloom about how you have either bottled it or your team is missing an ingredient to make you into winners. That's what Mikel Arteta and his players are hearing now, and my Arsenal team had exactly the same issue when we finished second to Manchester United three seasons running without winning a trophy between 1998-99 and 2000-01. Looking back now I don't feel any shame in that but, at the time, it was the toughest thing to take. This video can not be played Arsenal still chasing the dream - Arteta Being the bridesmaid so often is the worst feeling in football and it takes a special group to come back from having that happen repeatedly, and win. I was lucky because I was part of a special group of players at Arsenal, but we still had to work on it. In the summer of 2001, Arsene Wenger brought in a psychologist who said to us that we were second best because the statistics proved we were. We weren't very happy about that, but then he told us that he did not believe that the statistics were telling the truth. He looked around the dressing room and said we have got World Cup winners in here, and you have all won trophies in the past. His message was that there was more under the bonnet, we just needed to find it. It was a clever move by Wenger and the parallels in Arsenal's current position means it is something Arteta could try too, but it can't all come from the manager - it is down to the players to respond in the right way I remember being on the Millennium Stadium pitch after we had just lost the 2001 FA Cup final to Liverpool and thinking 'well this can't happen again', and it didn't. We came back to Cardiff the following year and beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup then, a few days later, we went to Old Trafford and beat Manchester United to win the Premier League too. Keown went on to win three Premier League and three FA Cup titles with Arsenal We did not make big changes to our squad that won nothing in 2001 to do the Double the following season. Sol Campbell arrived and Wenger told myself and Tony Adams that Sol would always play and one of us would be alongside him, but our only other major signing was Everton striker Francis Jeffers. I don't think this Arsenal squad needs an overhaul either, but the question always seems to come back to what they need to do to win trophies after finishing empty-handed again. The answer is usually a new player in a certain position, like a centre-forward this summer for example. I do think Arteta needs to strengthen in a few areas but I think what they really need to be successful is the mindset I mentioned above - so, a really strong group that has got such a burning desire to win that it hurts them to the core when they don't. What you want is to be able to look around the dressing room and know everyone is feeling the same way, and that they will use this disappointment as fuel too. I had that feeling with Wenger's Arsenal, because I knew I was surrounded by people who, like me, were not going to rest until we got that glory. That is how it has to be for this Arsenal team too. Like I say, it can't just come from the manager but that is a good starting place, and Arteta definitely provides it. This video can not be played Arsenal nowhere near standards required - Arteta I wish I was a fly on the wall in the Arsenal dressing room at half-time on Sunday because I think a lot of the difference between their first and second-half performance was down to the kind of motivation from the manager that I am talking about. It was the same at Anfield last week, when they were 2-0 down to Liverpool at the break and Arteta told them he was not accepting that level of performance. They were not behind against Newcastle this time but they could have been, and he deserves some credit for how they turned things around again. Like Wenger, Arteta has got his lieutenants - the players he can rely on - and Declan Rice stepped up again on Sunday. You could tell he was short of full fitness because he was blowing a bit but Arsenal needed him, and he delivered. There was a bit of a cup final feel about the game because Champions League qualification was riding on it for both teams and of course there was an edge to it, with Newcastle beating Arsenal three times this season already. They needed to be put to bed, really, and Arsenal did that in the second half - even if the game still had quite a tense ending. I don't think Arsenal fans were exactly celebrating second place at the final whistle but it is still quite an achievement for them to get back into the Champions League for a third straight season, after they were away for six years. When you consider where Arsenal were when Arteta took over in 2019, I think he has done an amazing job. Injuries have massively impacted them this season, but it still feels like we have got our Arsenal back - they are on the right path, and the trophies he craves will follow. Martin Keown was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
'It can't all come from the manager' - Keown on how Arsenal can become winners
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Keown Discusses Arsenal's Path to Success and the Role of Player Mentality"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Arsenal's recent victory over Newcastle has solidified their position to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year, prompting discussions on how they can transition from being perennial contenders to actual winners. Former Arsenal player Martin Keown reflects on his experiences during a similar phase in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where his team consistently finished behind Manchester United without securing any trophies. Keown acknowledges the emotional toll this takes on players, who not only deal with their disappointment but also face external scrutiny questioning their commitment and capabilities. He emphasizes that while Mikel Arteta, the current manager, is pivotal in creating a winning mentality, the responsibility ultimately lies with the players to respond effectively to challenges and setbacks. Keown recalls a turning point in 2001 when Arsenal engaged a psychologist who helped the team recognize their potential beyond the statistics, fostering a belief that they could achieve greatness despite past failures.
Keown suggests that Arsenal's current squad does not necessarily require a complete overhaul to achieve success but rather needs to cultivate a robust mindset and a collective desire to win. He draws parallels between the current team and his own, stressing the importance of having players who share a burning ambition to succeed. The recent performance against Newcastle, particularly in the second half, showcased the impact of Arteta's motivation and the players' ability to rally together. Although the fans may not celebrate a second-place finish, Keown notes that qualifying for the Champions League for three consecutive seasons is a significant achievement, especially considering the team's struggles prior to Arteta's tenure. Despite the injuries that have affected them this season, Keown believes that Arsenal is on the right path towards reclaiming their status and that the trophies Arteta seeks will eventually come as the team continues to develop and grow under his guidance.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into Arsenal's current position in the Premier League and reflects on the challenges of consistently finishing as runners-up without achieving major trophies. It draws on past experiences from former Arsenal player Martin Keown, emphasizing the need for both management and players to contribute to the team's success.
Analysis of Purpose and Audience Perception
The intent behind this article appears to be to foster a sense of realism among Arsenal fans and stakeholders regarding the team's current struggles. By referencing past experiences, particularly those from the late 1990s and early 2000s, it seeks to create a narrative that encourages patience and understanding while highlighting the difficulties faced by teams in similar situations. This could be seen as an attempt to mitigate frustration among supporters who may be demanding immediate results.
Hidden Agendas
There doesn't seem to be a significant hidden agenda within the article; rather, it openly discusses the challenges faced by the team. However, the framing of the narrative could lead to a downplaying of the urgency for change or improvement, suggesting that the players also bear responsibility for their outcomes. This could serve to protect management from criticism.
Manipulative Elements
In terms of manipulation, the article employs a nostalgic tone that could evoke sympathy and solidarity among fans. By discussing the psychological aspects of performance and referencing past successes, it might unintentionally create an emotional defense around the current management and players, encouraging a belief that success is just around the corner rather than necessitating immediate action.
Validity of the Information
The information in the article appears to be credible, as it relies on the personal experiences of a former player who has lived through similar challenges. The insights drawn from historical context provide a grounding that can resonate with readers familiar with Arsenal's legacy.
Social and Economic Implications
This article could influence the fan base's morale, impacting attendance and engagement levels, which in turn could affect the club's financial stability. If supporters feel optimistic and patient, they may be less inclined to call for drastic changes, which could have longer-term implications for club investments or managerial decisions.
Community Support
The article is likely to resonate more with long-term Arsenal supporters who have witnessed the highs and lows of the club over the years. It appeals to those who value continuity and the importance of building a winning mentality rather than seeking immediate fixes.
Market Impact
While this article may not have a direct impact on stock markets, it could influence perceptions of the club's brand value. For instance, companies associated with Arsenal may experience shifts in sponsorship dynamics based on the team's perceived trajectory.
Global Power Dynamics
The article does not have significant implications for global power dynamics but reflects broader themes in sports management that resonate with many teams facing similar challenges. It indirectly connects with the ongoing discussions about mental health and performance in sports.
Potential Use of AI in Writing
There is no strong indication that AI was involved in the writing of this article, as the personal tone and historical references suggest a human touch. However, if AI models were employed, they might have influenced the structure or flow of the narrative, aiming to maintain reader engagement through anecdotal evidence.
Conclusion
In summary, the article serves to contextualize Arsenal's ongoing struggles while promoting a narrative of patience and resilience among fans. It effectively combines personal reflection with historical context to create a compelling argument for understanding the complexities of achieving success in professional sports.