By Obed
I have been very impressed with Arsenal’s close season activity with Wenger’s new signings giving the Gunners a reason to dream ahead of the new season.
With the arrival of Colombia goalkeeper, David Ospina, the ‘Pole in goal’ knows he can’t afford to rest on his laurels. After seven years of service, Bacary Sagna decided to move to City despite being offered a new three year deal at Arsenal. Reason? He wants to ‘boost’ his career. Wish him all the best as he battles Zabaleta for starting berth.
Wenger brought in compatriot, Mathieu Debuchy, who looks the part, if his display during the Community Shield is anything to go by. With Mertesacker and Koscielny establishing a formidable partnership at the heart of defense, Vermaelen knew his time at Arsenal was up and the fact that Wenger managed to squeeze some £15m from Barcelona, is more impressive.
Despite teenage defender Calum Chambers, another great buy by the boss, impressing at center-back during pre-season, Wenger has admitted he is in the market for another defender to fill the void left by the Belgium international. You need strength in depth when competing in all fronts.
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Upfront, I like the introduction of Alexis Sanchez who oozes class. He is fast, skilful and a lethal finisher too. With the likes of Walcott, Ramsey, Chamberlain, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla and Rosicky at Wenger’s disposal, all Arsenal need is an imposing DM then Emirates becomes a fortress.
Finally, Yaya Sanogo has made a statement of intent that he wants to be a regular this season, meaning, Giroud must earn his place in the team. A welcome problem for any manager.
Most importantly, the players have tested success in the FA Cup and are hungry for more. The winning mentality is sweeping across the Emirates and the 3-0 Community Shield win over City bodes well ahead of the new season. However, it will not be a walk in the park as other title rivals have strengthened significantly.
Chelsea have set this sights on the title and Mourinho knows quite well that trigger happy, Abramovich, won’t brook yet another trophy-less season. Will the specialist in failure come back to haunt him? Liverpool are keen to prove that they can carry on from last season’s impressive performance without 31-goal striker, Luis Suarez.
Manchester United will be raring to go under new boss Louis Van Gaal and the fact that they have only domestic football to worry about, gives them a decent chance to compete for a top four place. Manchester City cannot be written off as Manuel Pellegrini seeks to defend the Premier League title.
This makes the 2014-15 Premier League campaign the most intriguing ever. And for once in a long time, Arsenal are heading into season as genuine title contenders.
Do you think Arsenal have what it takes to go all the way this season?
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