Season Preview - Arsenal

Arsenal enjoyed what was, for most part, a consistent and successful campaign. They finally had something to boast about when they won their first piece of silverware after spending years upon years in trophy wilderness.

Last season, Arsenal had one of the biggest injury lists the Premier League had to offer and they literally did boast the biggest injury list in the defensive area with almost every defender in the squad suffering at least 1 minor injury during the course of the season. However, they did find themselves top of the league for 128 days, the most time any team spent at the top all season; even beating the eventual title winners Manchester City who spent only a matter of weeks at the summit.

Transfers

Last season, Arsenal had an average summer transfer window. They signed Yaya Sanogo and Emiliano Viviano who both failed to make any kind of impact at the club (especially the latter as he failed to make a single appearance for the London side). However, Arsenal also made two fantastic signings in Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Flamini. Flamini was a major coup for Arsenal coming in on a free transfer and slotting  in perfectly with the tiki-taka style of play. He had a 91.5% passing success rate and also made 27 appearances for the team in the league netting two goals, one of which almost knocked Manchester City out of the title running. He didn’t manage to get himself any assists but was involved in a fair few goals Arsenal scored in some way or another. Mesut Ozil was Arsenals knight in shining armour though, gaining an early reputation for assisting goals, he managed to get 9 for the whole Premier League season and although he did have his moments of poor form, the German superstar made sure he was remembered as one of the best players in the Premier League last season. It will definitely be interesting to see if any of these players make any sort of impact in the coming season.

Arsenal have already made a great start to the 2014 summer transfer window. After sadly losing Sagna to the temptation of a club like Manchester City, Arsenal knew it was time to act. They knew who they wanted to get rid of and off they went, saying goodbye to the likes of Bendtner and Fabianski then hello to the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Debuchy. Arsenal have already spent £47 million this window and most fans expect it to continue as Arsenal are constantly linked to players of a high calibre with Sami Khedira expected to sign very soon. Even if Arsenal do sign Khedira, undoubtedly Sanchez will be the best bit of business as last season in La Liga Sanchez managed 19 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances, not bad for a “fringe player”.

Predicted Lineup

Most of you will probably agree this is a fantastic Arsenal side. They have strong defenders, midfield maestros and clinical finishers at their disposal. This could be a promising year for Arsenal and with a fantastic manager like Wenger, the sky is the limit.

Squad Depth

Luckily for Arsenal, they don’t have the restraints of a wafer thin squad, but unfortunately they don’t necessarily have the squad depth available to the very top sides in the Premier League. Arsenal do not have a single reserve goalkeeper and no real fantastic defenders to put in place of perhaps an injured or tired one. But, the Arsenal attack and midfield is very strong and they could easily take out a player like Wilshere and add in a player like Flamini who will have just as much of an impact.

Final Predicted Finish: 3^rd.

Even though Arsenal have an extremely good side, they just don’t have the quantity of quality the Chelsea and Manchester City possess. But, Manchester United do not have the best of sides at the moment and Arsenal could definitely challenge and defeat them for the top 3 finish.

Predicted Key Player: Sanchez.

Sanchez is the best signing Wenger will most likely make this summer. With his goal scoring record and his overall performances being consistently great, Sanchez will be a pivotal player and his performances may decide whether Arsenal have to play in the Champions League or the Europa League.

Coming up… Aston Villa.

By @nathan_said