So this will be the last stop along a journey that few of us will forget. Arsenal’s season may have ultimately ended in disappointment but we will treasure the memories it’s given us for years to come.
It’s for this reason that the expectation is for an upbeat atmosphere at the Emirates for one final time on Sunday as Wolves come to town. It will be an embodiment of the one word Mikel Arteta used to describe the Gunners’ season – connection.
Even if there’s nothing at stake the Spaniard still wants to put on a good show for his adoring Emirates faithful to repay them for the support they’ve shown him all season. To achieve that he’ll need to get his line up right.
Goalkeeper – Aaron Ramsdale
If Arteta was feeling sentimental then he might be inclined to give Matt Turner a run out on this final day. He’s been pretty clear that Arsenal have to finish this season playing at their best though, so expect Aaron Ramsdale to become the first Gunners goalkeeper in over a decade to have started every match of a Premier League season.
Right back – Ben White
Mikel Arteta tried to put a brave face on it when quizzed by football.london last week, but the Thomas Partey at right back experiment did not go well. It’s one that we’re expecting him to consign to the history books along with all memories of that awful day at the City Ground last week. Expect Ben White back in the position where he’s played pretty much all season.
Centre back – Jakub Kiwior
The Jakub Kiwior at left back experiment is also one that Arteta really should leave in the past. The Pole’s struggles getting forward saw Arsenal engage in a weird game of the left wing is lava at the City Ground. His strengths lie through the middle, so expect to see him back there.
Centre back – Gabriel
A start on Sunday will give the Brazilian a 100 per cent record for starts this season. What a player he’s blossomed into! If the Gunners are going to be back at the top next season, he’ll be a huge part of it.
Left back – Kieran Tierney
Like someone we’ll get onto later, Sunday could be Kieran Tierney’s last game in an Arsenal shirt. The Scottish international should be fondly remembered for his performances, but it seems that Arteta is evolving beyond him tactically. Hopefully the Emirates faithful will give him the send off he deserves if this is indeed to be his final match.
