Five lessons Arsenal learned from 2018: Patience is the key

Arsenal fans supporting outgoing manager Arsene Wenger in the stands after the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal fans supporting outgoing manager Arsene Wenger in the stands after the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Arsenal fans supporting outgoing manager Arsene Wenger in the stands after the Premier League match at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal fans supporting outgoing manager Arsene Wenger in the stands after the Premier League match at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

2018 was quite a historic year for Arsenal football club.

As the new year fast approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect. 2018 marked a significant era of change for Arsenal football club. Although no silverware was won, they have shown many signs of promise. But what can they learn from this calendar year?

1. There is life without Arsene Wenger

Perhaps the main tale of 2018 from an Arsenal fan’s perspective is the departure of Arsene Wenger. It feels like a long time ago, but in the summer of this year, the Frenchman finally bade his final farewell, with Arsenal soon appointing Unai Emery.

It was always going to be difficult for Emery to come in and fill the boots (or coat) of Wenger. He is without a doubt the most iconic Arsenal manager in history, and I don’t say that loosely. He spent two whole decades at the helm, achieving so much during his time.

Arsenal was in a bad place when Emery arrived, or so it seemed. It took him a few matches to find a steady rhythm, but once Arsenal was in full swing, they shined. They went an entire 22 games unbeaten under Unai Emery, including games against Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United.

It wasn’t quite Arsene Wenger’s trademark 49, in fact, it wasn’t even halfway, but for Emery to come in at such a time and achieve a run like that is worthy of plaudits. Thanks to the shift in managerial personnel, the Gunners are looking forward to a bright future.