As Saturday signals the dawn of a new Premier league season, Arsenal will look once more to challenge for the top spot. Last year Arsenal proved they can challenge, but once again they fell apart like a house of cards during the home stretch of the season. Weak defence, and lack of offensive firepower left Arsenal lacking during the final hurdle. This year, however, they will hope they can maintain the strong form that they enjoyed for much of last season, for the whole season. Maintaining this form will be pivotal to Arsenal’s title hopes.
Arsenal have been boosted by the retention of their captain Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas was subject of constant transfer speculation with two formal offers for the midfield maestro having been received from Barcelona. The boss, Arsene Wenger, denied both of Barca’s approaches and dug his heels into the ground, refusing even to enter into negotiations with the Catalan giants. Fabregas, who was a product of the Barca youth academy, La Masia, which also produced the likes of Lionel Messi, and Gerard Pique, left Barcelona in 2003 for Arsenal. His heart seemed to be set on a move Barca, but last Friday he announced that he would be remaining with the Gunners, but a move to L'equip blaugrana was “attractive”. Numerous times over the summer Fabregas stated his love for Barca - statements which seemed positive that a move to Barcelona on the brink. But by holding on to their talisman Arsenal have given themselves a vital boost towards their challenge for the Premier league crown. Fabregas is invaluable to the club, not only because he is the club's best player, and possibly one of the best playmakers in the world, but also because he is the team’s leader on and off the field.
Unlike past seasons Arsenal have avoided selling any of their big names, with the biggest transfer being the free agent release of William Gallas. Other squad players that have left are Philippe Senderos (Fulham), Sol Campbell (Newcastle), Mikael Silvestre (Free Agent), Eduardo (Shaktar Donetsk). With three centre backs having left, and one (Johann Djourou) having returned from injury, and another (Laurent Koscielny) having been bought there is still one spot at centre back spot left to fill.
Koscielny enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, as only 2 years ago he was plying his trade for French Ligue 2 side Tours. Having been signed by Lorient of Ligue 1 he enjoyed a good season with the team from Brittany and his solid performances caught the eye of Gilles Grimandi, Arsenal’s head scout in France, and the Manager, Arsene Wenger. During preseason Koscielny had a decent showing during the Emirates cup, looking comfortable with possession and he also seemed to read the game well, but an edgy performance in the 6-5 winner over Legia Warsaw, where he scored an own goal will bring reminders of last seasons weak defensive displays. The other major new signing is French born Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh. The Moroccan marksman was a revelation in France, when playing for the Girondins de Bordeaux. He had a decent scoring record whilst playing in France, and many eye-catching performances had him on Arsenal’s radar since last year. The striker is tall and powerful, can play as a target man in the air, and possesses plenty of skill. He put these attributes on display during the Emirates cup and the friendlies against Legia Warsaw and SC Neusiedl,Barnet, and Sturm Graz, and as a result he has 3 preseason goals. Hopefully the Moroccan can link up with Dutch world cup finalist Robin van Persie to form a lethal frontline.
Arsenal have had a successful preseason with wins against Barnet (4-0), Sturm Graz (3-0), SC Neusiedl (4-0), Celtic (3-2, Emirates cup), Legia Warsaw (6-5), and a draw against AC Milan (1-1, Emirates cup). Arsenal reclaimed the Emirates cup, the annual preseason tournament held at the Emirates. Youngsters Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong both had impressive preseasons, the former having been selected for the England squad against Hungary, as well as Kieran Gibbs, who will also appear in the England Squad. Wenger has hinted that both may have a chance to claim spots in the First XI and they will play an important part in the future of the club. During preseason the defence, last seasons biggest problem, has looked shaky conceding 2 second half goals (and a penalty that was missed by Georgios Samaras) against Celtic, even though they held a comfortable 3-0 lead at one point in the game, and also hemorrhaging 5 goals against Polish outfit Legia Warsaw. The backline will most certainly need to solidify before the season opener against Liverpool.
Arsenal do have the tools and the players to go the distance this season, and they do now have the experience even though the majority of the team members are still rather young. However the team will have to be mentally prepared starting from day 1, especially because of the extremely difficult opening day fixture at Anfield against Liverpool, who will have a point to prove after a poor campaign last year. Lack of injuries, maybe a couple more signings (a backup centre back, and a goalie), and a strong mentality amongst the players, will be important factors for Arsenal’s title push.
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