Last season was a bit disappointing for Arsenal, to say the least. The team nearly won the Premier League only to have it snatched away thanks to the improbable ascendance of Leicester City. It was yet another case of Arsenal being the bridesmaid and not the bride. The Gunners have returned with largely the same squad, albeit a bit leaner and meaner than before, and they’re hoping to finally secure the title that has eluded them for more than a decade.
The Telegraph has called the current team “the best Arsenal squad in 20 years” and, honestly, didn’t require that much tinkering. Last season’s second-place finish can simply be chalked up to an act of god, but now that Leicester seems to have remembered its place, it looks as though order has been restored to the top four once again.
The club didn’t make nearly as many signings during the transfer window as fans expected, notably failing to bring in a desperately needed new striker. Both Manchester United and Manchester City broke the bank to acquire a host of new talent, but big spending doesn’t always equal success. The biggest signings for the Gunners were Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka and German fullback Shkodran Mustafi. These were important acquisitions, because Arsenal had lost some key players at both of these positions following the retirement of Mikel Arteta in addition to the release of Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky. The club also loaned out midfielder Jack Wilshere to AFC Bournemouth while the player looks to regain his form after spending a significant time out with an injury.
Make no mistake, this is still an experienced and skilled squad with plenty left in the tank. No one questions the level of talent on the team; the main worry is whether or not they can stay healthy until June. The previous season’s campaign was hampered by loads of injuries with up to five first team players being sidelined with various traumas at times.
As we near the holidays, it’s looking as though the squad will receive a boost, because several important players are making a comeback. Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin are supposed to return from injury in a matter of weeks, according to the Week, and striker Danny Welbeck is expected back sometime around Christmas. Having three of the club’s top players match fit will undoubtedly do wonders to improve a roster that’s already playing at a high level.
Theo Walcott is playing at the top of his game and has already scored seven goals in all competitions, five of them in the Premier League. Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez have also been performing at a high level. Sanchez has notched four goals in seven Premier League appearances, while Özil has scored three times in six matches. With its best players all consistently finding the back of the net, things are looking good for the Gunners.
As of this writing, Arsenal are second in the league, behind Manchester City, and only back one goal on differential. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are nipping at Arsenal’s heels once again. Spurs missed out on second place during the last game of the 2015-16 season, and the experts at Betfair suggest this could be the year Spurs finally overtake Arsenal in the tables. If the team hopes to beat Arsenal, it will have to bring its best game when they face off in November’s North London Derby, which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matches of the season.
Arsenal are nearly always contenders for the Premier League, but this could be one of their best opportunities to actually hoist the trophy. With a strong squad playing beautiful and fluid football, the team is effective and entertaining. If the Gunners maintain their current form and stay healthy, this could very well be their year.