There’s been a lot of talk this season of Arsenal being title contenders. Partly due to their surprising acquisition of the immensely talented Mesut Ozil, but largely due to the fact they happen to be sitting on top of the premier league table.
Over the course of the past few years Arsenal have gained the reputation of being a selling club (rightly or wrongly) as they have lost quite a few key players, meaning they have not necessarily been in the best position to win the league. However, things do seem different this year. Not only are they playing quick, imaginative football similar to the stuff that made them the Invincibles back in 03-04, they have also managed to install a defensive solidity and appear to be less ‘fragile’ than in previous seasons.
There has been an improvement at Arsenal, that is evident, and they are capable of winning the league. Why not? They have the players, the manager, the spirit and play the best football. But despite all the advantages, there are some aspects where Arsenal can improve and some things they need to ensure a title challenge. They’re close and could win it this year if things go their way, but realistically Arsenal fans should not really demand or expect the title.
Here are four things that could potentially lead to the Gunners becoming even stronger title contenders:
A NEW STRIKER
Any team with hopes of dominating England and then Europe cannot be bringing on Nicklas Bendtner to get you back into a game. Reserve striker Chuba Akpom would possibly be a better option off the bench. He puts himself about more, he’s technically good, can score goals and is eager to impress. However, Akpom would not be enough. He’s a very good surprise option off the bench, but not someone who can play regularly should anything happen to the handsomest of handsome men Olivier Giroud. Olly G is Arsenal’s plan A and plan B, all mixed into one. He can link-up play really well, can find a pass, has a great touch and pressurises the opposition’s defence relentlessly. His hold-up play is arguably the best in the league and with bringing others into play, he’s able to maintain Arsenal’s entertaining philosophy despite seeming to be an old-fashioned type of British centre-forward. He combines both styles productively. With all his positives you can see why he’s a fan favourite, however, despite possessing good movement he’s not very quick. Quite slow, in fact. Arsenal need someone who is able to run in behind; get the best out of their enviable midfield. No one really stands out as an option, but hopefully Arsene Wenger has one in mind. It would be ideal if a replacement for Bendtner is found soon because the Great Dane really needs rehoming.
STICKING TOGETHER
In the match with Manchester United the champions were able to secure a goal and then defend it. Arsenal grew into the game after the first half and looked dangerous, but United’s experience in these sort of matches was clear and for Arsenal to succeed, they will basically just need to stick together. Wins against Dortmund and Crystal Palace are good signs that they are learning to see games out. They possess an unbelievable away record in 2013 and you don’t get that without mental strength and character. Really, Arsenal just need to keep on doing what they are doing and they will get there providing nothing goes wrong. They can see games out and they are capable of beating very good teams away from home, they just have to remain as a team and roll with the punches because they are still a new squad learning as the season progresses. It’s a matter of dealing with the pressure and United’s experience in that was a huge factor in their win.
CONTINUITY
Similar to sticking together, Arsenal really just need to stay the same. Keep Arsene Wenger, keep the same staff and most importantly, keep the same players. We’ve seen in recent years how detrimental losing key players has been to Arsenal, and it looks as if they are in a position to stop that. Arsenal’s resources have been limited since their move to the Emirates and their need to make profit and earn money has seen them sell on stars such as Nasri, Fabregas and van Persie. Irrespective of previous transfer business, the present has brought them Mesut Ozil – a club record signing, and a reward for Wenger’s careful frugality. They have the money now and are in a much stronger financial position, meaning they are capable of keeping their better players and signing even better players than the ones they have sold. They essentially sold Gervinho and replaced him with Ozil. Not bad. With a bit of continuity, the club can grow together and develop into a united force.
LESS INJURIES
Simple. Arsenal have been effected deeply with injuries. For whatever reason there’s some sort of curse going on there. Whether there’s a problem with the club’s medical team, the intensity of training, fragile players or just an unfortunate regular occurrence, somthing needs to be sorted because Arsenal do have good squad depth, they just seldom have it available. The fact that Bendtner has been Arsenal’s only senior second striker recently is largely due to injuries. Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are both viable options up front but are only just returning from their setbacks. In the past Arsenal have been left worryingly thin leaving no choice but to play inexperienced youngsters who aren’t ready, or fringe players who just simply are not good enough. For Arsenal to maintain a title bid they need this to change. They have a strong squad but injuries often means even their backup options are unavailable. Which isn’t exactly helpful.
Undoubtedly, Arsenal are different this year. More solid, more exciting, more of a team with better spirit and their players have improved from last season. Wenger and the Board’s philosophy has put them in a very good position and they must be considered a real threat. Time will tell whether or not they can win it this year, but certainly they are close to being back to their best. They just have to continue on the same road.
