lorddulaarsenal folks want to consider our spending on the basis of arbitrary ideas like "net spend," or consider it based on limited timelines, or only compare it to our own history. Then, they want to have "expectations" about our performance relative to other clubs. It's just shoddy logic. It fails to consider so many factors.
Anyway, the idea that we should improve some incremental amount for every pound we spend is just not how the world works. You have to make consistent investment at high levels just to survive, let alone improve. Then you have to consider injuries, player regression, new contexts, increased external pressure, fan appreciation (or lack thereof), as well as a whole host of other pitfalls. Ways to mitigate these include having coaches that can help players adapt to new circumstances, strong peer mentorship, and healthy competition. Sometimes, you just have to replace somebody. Sometimes, that person is the manager. But all of this must come against the background of constant, relentless investment.
Failing to invest in the squad at any point is never understandable, practical, or appropriate. It's not one summer, not one year, its every single window. If we fail to bolster our forward line this January, then the club will have failed the players and the coaches. Doubly so, because Arteta already told them it was needed in the summer.
