So, just one more game and it’s over. Arsene Wenger heads up to the John Smith Stadium which is a fitting place to end his managerial career at Arsenal.
Another one of Arsenal’s greatest managers, Herbert Chapman, who like Wenger revolutionised the game at the time, also spent four years managing Huddersfield Town. During his time at both clubs he won four First Division titles and two F.A. Cups.
Like one of Arsenal’s most significant managers, Wenger similarly changed the game with new ideas but for his time to at Arsenal to come to an end where Chapman was also very successful is a nice coincidence.
In fact, what makes this even more unique is that this is Arsenal’s first league trip to Huddersfield since 1971. Arsenal won 1-0 on the day.
That away win is something that every Arsenal fan will be looking for a repeat of as after falling to defeat at Leicester in midweek, Arsenal are still without an away point in 2018.
With this in mind, and the fact that some regular starts like Alexandre Lacazette were rested at the King Power, maybe a stronger side will be put out.
One player that’ll probably be destined to start, however, is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Since making his debut in February, he hasn’t stopped scoring and another goal will put into double figures in both the Premier League and Bundesliga for this season.
With Wenger playing him with Lacazette before, I won’t be surprised if they don’t both start on Sunday.
However, with Huddersfield’s Premier League status for next season confirmed, this could also be a chance to give youngsters some game time. The likes of Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah have had tastes of the Premier League and have all impressed when given a go, so why not allow them to close the season.
But if Wenger wants to make certain of a first away win of 2018, he may go for his regulars in search of a repeat from when the sides last met in November. Arsenal ran out 5-0 victors at The Emirates and a similar scoreline would be the perfect goodbye, just like against Burnley last week.
However, the likelihood of that high a scoreline could prove to be a very tough ask.
Looking at Huddersfield’s last two games, they’ve travelled champions Manchester City and Chelsea and taken points off both of them. Something ‘exceptional’ Wenger said in his press conference.
So, coming up against a side with great confidence after halting two of the best teams in the league, it could be dangerous if Arsenal underestimate them.
With the home crowd behind them David Wagner’s team have also shown they can go all the way and take three points off top teams as they did against Manchester United.
But, whatever happens on Sunday, it won’t change any perspectives on the 22 years spent at Arsenal Football Club by Arsene Wenger. It’s been great but frustrating at times but ahead of your final game in charge of the Gunners’ I’d like to say Merci, Arsene.
