Grading Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s 2015/16 Premier League Season

The 2015/16 Premier League season was a strange one for Arsenal.

The Gunners finished second in the table—their highest final position since 2005. They also enjoyed the final-day flourish of leapfrogging rivals Tottenham Hotspur to ensure they finished above them for a 20th consecutive year.

However, this remained a season primarily of disappointment—and for that, manager Arsene Wenger must shoulder much of the blame.

The problems stem back to last summer. Encouraged by another FA Cup victory and some strong league form in the second half of the 2014/15 campaign, Wenger chose to enter the new season without a single outfield signing.

The one senior addition he did make, Petr Cech, has certainly been justified. The former Chelsea goalkeeper ended the season with 16 clean sheets—the highest number in the Premier League. However, his success also serves as a frustrating illustration of the impact further signings might have made.

With fitness doubts over the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta, a central midfielder ought to have been a priority. Mohamed Elneny arrived in January, but he was only deemed ready for the Premier League in March.

Had the Egyptian been with the squad all season, perhaps the Gunners would have avoided having to field the substandard Mathieu Flamini in 16 Premier League games.

A new striker would also …

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