Now that the frantic transfer window has slammed shut, it’s time for us to take an in-depth look at the Arsenal squad and assess whether Wenger’s acquisitions are enough to propel the gunners to the pinnacle of the Premier League.
In order to investigate fully, we first must analyse the North London side’s performance from the previous campaign. Wenger’s men managed to bag 65 goals in the league, and despite keeping 16 clean sheets, the gunners still shipped 36 goals. Whilst it is perhaps naive to analyse a full season entirely based on goals scored and conceded, on the face of it; they are not title winning figures. Yes, there are many areas of Arsenal’s game to consider besides this, but the simple fact is – the Gunners scored too few and let in too many.
Let’s take the latter point from the above and investigate whether Arsenal have improved their defence.
Arsene Wenger signed two centre-backs this summer, which he hasn’t done since signing Laurent Koscielny and Sebastian Squillaci (yikes) in the same window. Rob Holding was acquired early on in the summer market and the young defender certainly seemed a prospect on Arsenal’s preseason tour of the US. Comfortable on the ball, with an eye for an interception and a cool head – the former Bolton man has a poise beyond his early years. But, typically, Rob was thrown in the deep end against Liverpool and unfortunately demonstrated a lack of experience, naturally.As has been the case for many years at Arsenal, the Gunners struggle when their backs are to the wall, often buckling under pressure and the Liverpool game was no different. Will Holding provide an answer to this incessant issue? It’s too soon to say, but the U21 England international looked much more comfortable alongside Laurent Koscielny in recent weeks.
As has been the case for many years at Arsenal, the Gunners struggle when their backs are to the wall, often buckling under pressure and the Liverpool game was no different. Will Holding provide an answer to this incessant issue? It’s too soon to say, but the U21 England international looked much more comfortable alongside Laurent Koscielny in recent weeks.
Shkodran Mustafi proved to be this years ‘saga’ for the Gunners, finally signing a day before the transfer deadline. A defender in the similar mould to Holding, but with more culture and experience. Arsene certainly likes a specific type of centre back – calm on the ball, sharp passing with an innate ability to read the game. With Arsenal playing a backline higher than Steve Bruce’s cholesterol, Mustafi seems a natural fit for Arsene’s defence.The German already has experience in La Liga, Germany, Serie A and England, and will be looking to use his cultured background to great effect in the Premier League. Like Manchester City with Kompany, it feels as though Arsenal have been searching for a partner for Laurent Koscielny for some time now, and in
The German already has experience in La Liga, Germany, Serie A and England, and will be looking to use his cultured background to great effect in the Premier League. Like Manchester City with Kompany, it feels as though Arsenal have been searching for a partner for Laurent Koscielny for some time now, and in Shkodran I believe they may have found the answer.
Moving onto the forward line and Arsenal recently splashed £17.1 million on Lucas Perez. The Spaniard thrived after moving from the wing to centre-forward at Deportivo last year, a similar transition made by Jamie Vardy, scoring 17 goals in 36 appearances. It’s clear what Perez will add to the Arsenal attack – Pace & finesse. The 27-year-old will offer the Gunners a fabulous alternative in anticipation of the inevitable stuttering form of Olivier Giroud, but should also be able to link up well with the Frenchman. Yet, Arsenal go into the new campaign still lacking a 30 goal-a-season man (if they exist).To be fair to Arsene and the board, the availability of such a forward appears to be non-existent, and whilst Lucas Perez will add depth to the Arsenal frontline, it still does not fill the void left by Robin Van Persie all those years ago.
Finally, we reach perhaps the most pivotal signing for Arsenal this summer, Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder arrived pre-euros and Gunners fans caught a glimpse of his abilities during the tournament. Trotting effortlessly around the centre of the park, dictating the tempo and spraying passes in all directions, the 23-year-old is also a tough tackler. Most importantly, the man born in Kosovo is a natural leader.
Captaining Borussia Monchengladbach at his tender age proves he isn’t shy in taking command of his peers and Arsenal fans will pray that he can provide the stern calmness needed in the Premier League to see off tense moments when the teams back is against the wall. At 6ft 1″, the Gunners finally have their cultured midfield destroyer.
So, have Arsenal done enough? Well, they have done all they could have done. In all areas bar the striking department, Arsenal can compete with anyone else in the league. The quality simply wasn’t available to find their star striker, but Lucas Perez provides a consolation on that front. Unlike most windows where Arsenal leave themselves short, at least we can say that Wenger has put Arsenal in the best possible shape he could to challenge for trophies this coming season.
