Next season will be very crucial to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. The Premier League drought extended to 12 years last season when Arsenal finished runner-ups behind Champions Leicester City. There was a hint of nervousness from day one of the season, as Wenger became the only manager in the top five leagues across Europe not to sign an outfield player. There are some clear gaps in the squad that need to be filled this summer otherwise one more season without the League title could spell the end of Wenger’s reign at Arsenal. Arsenal have brought in three players this summer but only one of them looks likely to break into the starting XI next season and that is Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal are currently on a preseason tour in America but most of the first team players haven’t joined up with the team as of yet, following their summer participation in European Championship and Copa America. Last season it was the performance of Mesut Ozil, Koscielny, Cech and Sanchez that powered Arsenal to the second spot and even next season it will be crucial how Ozil and Cech perform.
Mesut Ozil
Ozil was undoubtedly the best Arsenal player last season, his performance over the course of the campaign earned him the player of the year considerations. The German playmaker has finally shown why the club paid so much for him with a sublime return of eight goals and 20 assists in all competitions. He got 19 of those assists in the Premier League itself, missing out on Thierry Henry’s record of 20 in a single season by one. It could be blamed on the poor finishing ability of Frenchman Giroud and Theo Walcott.
Next season will be even more crucial for the German international as he looks to drive Arsenal to the title. If Wenger does invest in a world class striker than one wouldn’t bet against Ozil breaking Henty’s record next season. His superb dribbling ability and close control are essential when moving the ball forward. He was excellent for Germany in the recently concluded Euro 2016 and will be looking to carry that international form forward to his club.
Petr Cech
Cech signed for Arsenal last summer from their London rivals Chelsea. Although he struggled at the start of the season, soon he got into his groove and became unbeatable between the sticks. He won the Golden Glove award for the 2015-2016 season with 16 clean sheets. Arsenal inexperience in the backline could be very costly, therefore the leadership of Cech from the box will be crucial in maintaining the organization and solidity at the back.
Arsenal still look short of central defenders, which only goes to raise Cech’s importance in the team. He has years of experience, which he has utilized brilliantly to guide the youngsters in the squad and Wenger would expect the same from the Czech international.
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