Even though it is Liverpool supporters who are famous for the “next season will be our season” line, in recent times, Arsenal fans have taken their place as they have more than once filled their fans with false optimism in the start of the season which has eventually translated into nothing. Needless to say, the Arsenal fans have become used to these false dawns and have learnt not to get too ahead of themselves.
However, there is a different feeling about this particular season and it is no surprise that even the most cynical Gooners have been cautiously optimistic.
After the FA Cup win in 2014 that brought an end to “trophyless since…”, Arsenal have had a considerable shift in balance. A certain momentum has been harnessed that brought us a Gunners side in the second half of the season that was perhaps the best to watch in the Premier League. They won their second consecutive FA Cup and very recently defeated Chelsea to the Community Shield. If they can carry on this winning momentum to the season, hit the ground running and not mess things up in the middle, things could be extremely favourable for the Gunners.
So what would be a successful season for the Gunners?
Arsenal have sustained their success for a long while now and it is certainly a remarkable thing. It is easy to have one great season and then not follow it up with a good show, just ask Liverpool, but what really makes a club successful is consistent performances and ranks, and Arsenal have done that in recent memory. However, many think that things are stagnating for Wenger and a(nother) title-less season will mark the season as a failure. They might have a point.
Their point is valid. Even if Arsenal has been consistently finishing in the top 4 recently, they’ve not had been consistent in the season itself. The 2013/14 season saw the club have an amazing first half, one that saw them be on top of the table for a long time. Things took a sharp turn from the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool and the club barely managed to finish in the top 4. Last season, Arsenal finished strongly but a disappointing first half where they sat in the eighth place in the 12th week, meant they finished in the third place.
Arguably, a solid title challenge, a good show in the Champions League and a silverware from somewhere will constitute a successful season for the Gunners. The first part is very important.
Arsenal have to make sure that they challenge for the title right through. Whether they win it or not is not as important as the fact that they make sure they’re not derailed and have a grip over the title throughout the season.
Wenger finally has a team that can do the same too. The high profile addition of Petr Cech has certainly raised hopes for the Gunners and sung the same “Cech can win Arsenal the league” song. It has indeed been an astute addition. Having a solid goalkeeper can make a big difference and while many will argue Colombian David Ospina has been treated a bit harshly in the process, hardly any club would give up on a chance to sign the Czech international. He would add certitude at the team’s base. It also signifies that Wenger has realized the importance of having a solid foundation.
The return to form of Theo Walcott towards the end of the campaign and the fact that he has agreed a new contract is also good news for the Gunners. Walcott has had an incredibly promising career marred with injuries and the Englishman, if he can stay fit, can be an extremely great option to have for Wenger. Walcott will also give the manager an option up-front and we are likely to see him being used as a striker more often.
Alexis Sanchez had arguably the best first season in the Premier League and he along with Santi Cazorla, would be imperative in Arsenal’s quests for trophies. Mesut Ozil, after an inexplicably difficult first two seasons, could be a very important player for the Gunners as Wenger has already mentioned.
Arsenal do have incredible quality and decent competition for most spots but there still remains room for improvement. Francis Coquelin was incredible in the second half of 2014/15 and was one of the top 3, if not the best defensive midfielder around that time but is he really the top-class player they need for the position? Same goes for Hector Bellerin. Chelsea have Ivanovic in the spot, Manchester City have Zabaleta and Manchester United now have Matteo Darmian. Heck, even Liverpool have Nathaniel Clyne, one of the league’s best right-backs last season so is Bellerin or Debuchy good enough for a league challenge? The biggest debate has been regarding Olivier Giroud and the striker position for Arsenal. Giroud scored 14 league goals for Arsenal last season, 19 in total. He was especially good in the second half of the season but failed to do well in the beginning. There has been plenty of talk about him not being good enough to lead a title challenge for Arsenal. The back-ups in the position are Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck and seeing that, one could understand why some Arsenal fans are worried that the strike force is not good enough for a title challenge.
There has been plenty of talk about Arsenal getting Karim Benzema next season and if they can make that addition, anything lesser than a title challenge would be a massive disappointment. Benzema is everything you want in a striker as he has size, power, pace and amazing finishing. The fact that he plays alongside Ronaldo and Bale means he is useful as both a scorer and provider, which aligns him perfectly with Wenger’s philosophy. But signing him won’t be an easy task, especially as Rafa Benitez hasn’t doesn’t have good alternatives currently.
To sum up, Arsenal need to make a few upgrades to definitely be in the same bracket as their rivals. Without those, the club still has enough to genuinely be competitive and perhaps even end up with the coveted trophy, but with those, their chances will be much stronger.
PREDICTIONS
PREMIER LEAGUE
There is a genuine confidence in the Arsenal camp and the team and management honestly believe that they can go all the way, but without a few more additions (upgrades), winning the title will be an uphill task (certainly not impossible).
Predicted finish: 3rd
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Last season was a massive disappointment in the elite competition and the Monaco loss is still etched in the memories of Arsenal fans. The side certainly needs to redeem itself and do better in the competition
Predicted run: Quarter-final
FA CUP, CAPITAL ONE CUP
Arsenal should try to make it three in three. Even realistically, the club should try and at least be in the final of one of the two cup competitions.
Predicted run: Final (FA Cup); Semi Final (League Cup)
Note: The predictions are those of the author, not the website.