FM23’s predictions for the upcoming Premier League season might not sit well with many Arsenal fans. Despite the signings of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, FM23 forecasts that Arsenal will secure a 4th-place finish.
FM23 Simulations: Havertz and Rice Propel Arsenal to 4th Place
Fans have already witnessed the debut of new recruits Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in Gunners colors, following their acquisition from West Ham and Chelsea last month.
Declan Rice, an English international, committed to a long-term contract after making over 245 senior appearances for West Ham and earning 43 caps for the national team.
The services of German forward Kai Havertz was also secured from Chelsea in a ÂŁ65 million deal.
Havertz, having signed a five-year contract with Arsenal, aims to rejuvenate his form after an uneven spell at Chelsea.
In their quest for success, Arsenal has bolstered their ranks with additional new players to strengthen the team’s competitiveness.
According to Rio Ferdinand:
âArsenal were brilliant last season, Mikel Arteta was magnificent, the recruitment again has been wonderful. Theyâve arguably had one of the best strongest transfer windows up to this point. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, definitely strengthened the squad, the depth, the quality. I think theyâll be top three this year, they wonât win the league though.â
With these exciting signings, expectations run high for Arsenal to contend for the championship this season, particularly after their narrow loss to Manchester City in the previous campaign.
The longing to clinch their first league title since 2004 lingers among Arsenal fans, especially following their near miss in the last Premier League season.
Despite the disappointment of narrowly losing the title to Manchester City, a promising summer transfer window has sparked optimism among supporters for the upcoming season.
Nevertheless, Football Manager 2023 (FM23), a popular video simulation game, has offered an alternative projection for Arsenal’s performance this season.
In simulations featuring Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the starting lineup, Arsenal consistently secured a 4th-place finish.
Arsenal’s starting 11 in FM23
The predictions were consistent across multiple simulations.
As of early December, the Gunners were toping the table after 16 games with 39 points from 12 wins, 3 draws and one defeat but let all that slip away as they handed the lead back to Man City.
However, Pep Guardiola’s team was successfully crowned the EPL champions once more on the last day of the season after racking up over 97 points from 31 victories, 4 draws, and only three defeats.
Man City won the league with a 13-point advantage over Liverpool in second place, and Chelsea, who were twelfth previous year, secured the third slot.
Throughout the 38 matches played, the Mikel Arteta side managed to score a total of 69 goals, albeit conceding goals in every match.
Athough Kai Havertz amassed over 17 goals in 37 appearances, Erling Haaland still managed to claim the top scorer spot once again, scoring 27 goals in 35 league games.
Havertz also demonstrated his striking force in the Champions League, netting five goals.
On the other hand, Declan Rice played a crucial role for Arsenal as well, making 35 Premier League appearances, providing 8 assists, and scoring a single goal.
He also featured in eight Champions League games, contributing just two assists.
As for the team of the year, Arsenal’s representation was modest, with right-back Vitor Tormena, a loanee, making the cut.
Astonishingly, the newly promoted teamsâBurnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Townâsuffered relegation back to the Championship.
The most interesting part was Mikel Arteta was also humiliated out of the club he loves with so much passion.
Mikel Arteta sacked by Arsenal
Given FM23’s predictions and the team’s recent performance, the outlook for Arsenal in the 2023/24 Premier League season remains a subject of debate and speculation.
Share your thoughts on Arsenal’s potential season performance in the comments below.
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