Evaluating the Premier League title contenders: Arsenal

Arsenal 

Arsenal celebrate reaching 4th place on the final day, but can they reach the next level this time around?

2012/13 position: 4th

The last time Arsenal achieved a league position that was better than 3rd was in 2005, one year removed from the Invincible year. Since then, The Gunners have been left to fight for a Champions League spot rather than the Premier League title, not an ideal situation for a club of Arsenal's stature. Arsenal fans have been incredibly patient over the years with board frustration concerning high profile player sales, the lack of big name signings, the well talked about trophy drought, and the ridiculously inflated ticket prices. However, this season may put an end to three of the three fan concerns. Arsenal no longer seem to be the prey of the transfer market with no key player departures this summer, and instead the Gunners are attempting to be the predators, and are really letting their ambitions be known to their rivals with a transfer record smashing bid of £40,000,001 for Luis Suarez. And who knows, with a bit of luck and commitment, Arsenal may finally end their long trophy drought this season! Could it be a new era at the Emirates? 

The summer so far

There's been a Summer clearout of deadwood and high earners at the Emirates and Arsenal's management have finally been given the thumbs up to unlock the financial war chest that has been locked away for the last 4 years, made up of the sales of Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Robin Van Persie and Alex Song. Phew! This summer has been quite unfamiliar for Arsenal fans with the lack of worry over their star players being bought by rivals and instead excitement that their team can now compete financially for the world's best players. The money is there to spend, but completing the signings is a new challenge. Although the signing of teenage Football Manager legend Yaya Sanogo is welcome for the future, there have yet to be any groundbreaking transfers for the present. Having missed out on Gonzalo Higuain, Wenger has turned to the unsettled Luis Suarez, who scored 30 goals and made 11 assists for Liverpool last season. Arsenal lacked a guaranteed goalscoring powerhouse last season, so a new striker will be welcomed with open arms by fans.  However even if they do secure the Suarez's expensive services, Arsenal will still need at least a new defensive midfielder (potentially Luiz Gustavo), and another centre back as cover in order to have any chance of breaking into the top 3 and legitimately challenge for the Premier League title. A tough task for Wenger to complete before the 2nd of September.

However, a big positive for Arsenal is the lack of big name departures, which should stabilise the squad and not have to force them to regel. An advantage that the Arsenal squad have is age and a lot of their players are still developing and have their peak ahead of them such as Oxlade Chamberlain, Ramsey, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Miyaichi and of course Jack Wilshere. Another season should see all of these improve and maybe solidify themselves as first team players. Arsenal's form did pick up at the end of last season, which shows for more promise for this campaign. If Arsenal can make the key signings they want before the transfer window shuts, they could be a lot closer to the title race this year.

Possible Starting XI: 

Verdict: With the lack of major signings so far and others strengthening, it's very difficult to predict anything higher than a top 4 finish for the Gunners with the current squad. On paper, Spurs were extremely unlucky to miss out on the top 4 last season and should do better this time around, leaving Arsenal just behind. They should however, get a higher points total that last year 5th

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Fan's view

By Michael Clyne (@PursuitofCudi) 

1) What is the general feeling amongst the fans?

Mostly it's frustration at the lack of clarity from the board and our our lack of spending. But also optimism that we might sign some of the players we are linked with and hopefully end the trophy drought.

2) Which player will be the one to watch?

Keep an eye on Ramsey this season, he finished last season on a high and has had a very good pre-season. Same can be said for Giroud. Make sure to look out for Gedion Zelalem as well.

3) What are Arsenal's strengths? I'd say Wenger's influence could be the most important strength. Then there's our midfield and us having one of the top centre-backs in the PL in Koscielny.

4) What are Arsenal's weaknesses?

Currently we're lacking in depth after selling so many players and we need a touch more quality.

5) What will happen in the ideal world?

We break our trophy drought, finish in the top three and finish above Tottenham

6) What will happen in reality?

Optimistically, I believe we can win either the FA Cup or the Capital One Cup and I think we'll finish 4th