May 2014 brought about the end to almost a decade of failure for Arsenal football club. The FA Cup victory over Hull City meant that Arsene Wenger could go into his 19th year in North London. It’s funny how one game, and perhaps the extra time winner by Aaron Ramsey could change the fortunes of the man at the helm. The trophy draught may have ended but the form in the premier league was as common as night turning to day – the highest of hopes disintegrated come the turn of the year, inevitably settling for 4th by the end of the season. It was an all too familiar sight for the fans and manager alike. The problem needs addressing, and quickly. This club remember, just 10 years previous were not only crowned champions, but went through a full season unbeaten. A lot has happened since but the manager is clearly capable of building a team worthy of winning the premier league trophy. Perhaps the hardest thing is just replicating that.
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| Are the glory days back at Arsenal football club? |
One positive change from the seasons gone by is that the chequebook has well and truly come out this summer. Arrivals have also not coincided with a large efflux of departures; at least not a largely influential player. Patrick Vieira, Theirry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Alexander Song, Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie have all left in the recent past but at the moment at least, no further star men have left the Gunners. The ‘feeder club’ status may have been lost once and for all. In terms of transfer dealings, Bacary Sagna was rapidly replaced with two suitable deputies but the biggest story of the whole window was the capture of one certain Chilean. The coup of Alexis Sanchez is an exciting purchase for not only the Arsenal fans but also the premier league as a whole. Everyone wants to see the worlds best in this country. Nonetheless, the signing is an indication of intent that Arsene has suddenly realised that to be the best, you must buy the best. First Mesut Ozil and now this world cup star, one may think that the once stubborn Frenchman has suddenly turned over a new leaf.
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| A world class addition |
Spending in excess of 100 million pounds in just one year should make this team a comfortable title contender. However I still do not believe that this is the case. The club is severely lacking in defensive reinforcements. You CANNOT concede 6 goals twice in separate games, let alone 5 goals in another, and be considered as possible champions. The centre half partnership is top notch but away from that losing your club captain and not replacing him could be suicidal. Further down the pitch and in terms of attack minded, creative midfielders/wingers they have the best depth and quality of all the top 4 teams. But who will mind the store when the team are attacking? Mathieu Flamini is their only holding midfielder and he doesn’t exactly strike fear into the opposing number 10s. Links have been made with Sami Khedira but this deal remains in limbo. Ultimately if football was about attractive offensive football then Arsenal would have dominated England for decades but it simply isn’t solely about that. The defensive side of the game is the teams greatest Achilles heel which needs addressing if battling for 4th can change to battling for the title.
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| Last seasons mistakes must be learnt from |
Predictions – 3rd. Attack brilliant, defence
average.
Photo Sources;
Photo Sources;
- http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fa-cup-comeback-victory-most-important-of-my-arsenal-reign-says-arsene-wenger-9391352.html
- http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140710/alexis-sanchez-agrees-to-join-arsenal
- http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenals-5-1-loss-liverpool-was-3128514
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