On Christmas morning, Arsenal fans have the rare luxury of checking the Premier League table purely for festive cheer, with their team sitting proudly at the summit. This position of strength is a far cry from the challenging years that followed Arsene Wenger's departure, a period marked by Europa League heartache and a disconnect between the club and its supporters.
The Foundation Laid by Edu and Arteta
The transformation back into genuine title contenders is widely credited to manager Mikel Arteta. However, the structural overhaul at the Emirates was a dual effort. Alongside Arteta, former sporting director Edu Gaspar executed a strategic recruitment plan that moved Arsenal from European hopefuls to consistent Champions League qualifiers.
While significant funds were invested, the partnership focused on wise talent acquisition and integrating academy prospects, crafting the core of the squad that exists today. This period, though ultimately falling short of the Premier League crown, rebuilt the club's identity and competitive framework.
Berta's Inheritance: A Sporting Director's Dream
When Andrea Berta arrived as sporting chief following Edu's move to Nottingham Forest, he inherited a vastly different project. His remit was not to instigate a revolution but to enhance an already robust squad.
Berta has excelled in this role, making astute signings like Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. Crucially, he has secured the long-term futures of key players including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri, with Bukayo Saka's new deal also anticipated this winter.
A Time for Gratitude and Perspective
It is easy to view Berta's flawless start through the lens of present success. Yet, the festive season is a time for deeper gratitude. The 'luxury position' Berta walked into—adding quality and depth to a title-ready team—was only possible because of Edu's foundational work.
This is not to diminish Berta's excellent contributions; both statements can be true. Edu's task of transformation, albeit with substantial backing, was inherently more complex than Berta's mission of refinement.
If Arsenal are to finally clinch that elusive Premier League title under Arteta, the role of Andrea Berta will be vital. But when the celebrations begin, the Gunners faithful would do well to remember the pioneering role of Edu Gaspar, whose vision and execution made the current dream a tangible reality.
