Arsenal's 2022/23 Premier League season has come to a close and while there was no title parade as many would have hoped, there's still plenty to be proud of. The Gunners showed a leap forward in progression, putting behind any worries of a previous fifth-placed finish to lead the way in the division for most of the campaign.
That pace wasn't sustainable for them though as they eventually fell off, with Manchester City eventually taking their place and leaving the final game with little to play for. In the clash with Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, there was still a show put on from the squad.
An early Granit Xhaka brace in what could be his final Arsenal game gave the north London outfit the lead before Bukayo Saka added a third before half-time. Gabriel Jesus scored the fourth after the break before defender Jakub Kiwior got in on the act to complete the rout.
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While next season will come with new challenges and a weight of expectation on this set of players, the campaign that has now gone has been a celebration of renewed hope and the Wolves clash embodied that. The national media gave their verdict as usual and here's what they had to say.
The Guardian
The focus of the Guardian's match report surrounding the apparent farewell for Xhaka, who bowed out of his Arsenal career with some style. It reads: "This time nobody could bear to see the back of Granit Xhaka. "We want you to stay," sang the Emirates Stadium crowd as he walked off 15 minutes from time, the serenade lengthy and heartfelt. They knew that would not be possible and, in the near future, the object of their affection will sign for Bayer Leverkusen; a better redemption arc would be hard to find, though, and the contrast with that bitter, acrimonious trudge from the same pitch in October 2019 must surely have run through Xhaka’s mind."
The Mirror
The Mirror claimed the match was the "end of the beginning" as the Gunners' ascent back towards the top is over and the march towards staying there begins. The match report reads: "What a way to celebrate the end of the beginning. Granit Xhaka rounding off his Arsenal story with two goals before his summer switch to Bayer Leverkusen.
"Bukayo Saka toasting his new, £300,000-a-week, four year contract with a goal and a display down the right that will give full back Hugo Bueno nightmares. And a party on the park to round off an incredible season. One in which the Gunners announced themselves as title challengers once again."
football.london
football.london's Kaya Kaynak gave player ratings live from the Emirates Stadium, where it was Xhaka that once again stole the show. The report reads: "Couldn't have asked for a much better sign off to his Arsenal career. Two goals that epitomised how he's earned his way back into the hearts of Arsenal fans. Many will be sad to see him go."
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