It’s been two seasons in row now, since the Gunners started splashing cash , with the arrivals of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez alone summing up to a reported approximate of 72 million Pounds. Do not compare it with Chelsea or Manchester City, and you will find it to be big spending by Wenger.
With the arrival of Mathieu Debuchy as a ‘Sagna’ replacement and pending rumored arrivals of Khedira, Ospina and Casillas, I would say there is a tiny bit of added intent in the Gunners activity(I am ignoring the absurd Messi rumor here and also the fact that they let Cesc Fabregas walk into Chelsea).
The Arsenal defense looks stable with the likes of Debuchy, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs and others for cover, including, well...the club captain Vermaelen. The centre backs are very solid and complement each other well. The France International Debuchy has recreated himself in the world cup and Gibbs continues to be a very promising full-back.
The mid-field is Arsenal’s strength, no doubt about that. It’s here that their flashy passing starts. Whether it’s Ramsey’s resurgence, Wilshere’s amazing tackling, Diaby’s brute strength, Rosicky’s work rate, Arteta’s intelligence, Flamini’s toughness (adding special affection for yellow cards) and the magic of Cazorla-Ozil, all the beauty of Arsenal’s game-play is here. Missing out of their hero Cesc, the Gunners must pray Cazorla does not run off to homeland with Atletico calling. All in all, Arsenal has a balanced midfield, with attributes fulfilling defensive, holding and creative requirements.
With Podolski failed to have work wonders as such and Giroud being the lone target man (with one of the best hold up playing skills, mind you), Arsenal lacked a pacey central forward. Walcott, please bear in mind, is a winger with the desire to play centrally. And with no offense to his unbelievable talent and blistering pace, Arsenal just needed another striker. And then, they signed Alexis Sanchez. End of Story.
In one swank, the striker issues are solved. Provided that Sanchez plays like he played in Barcelona or the World Cup, Arsenal is going to be one exciting team to watch.
But, there is always a ‘but’. With the recruitment of a new fitness Coach, Shad Forsythe, who worked well this time with the injury plagued German side, it is hoped with all fingers crossed that Arsenal do not choke up at the end and must not let so many players visit the hospital more than matches. It was a frustrating previous season for the Gunners, and Wenger was relieved, more than happy, to at least with the FA cup.
Expect him to learn from his mistakes, as the expected finish is at least 3rd for them.
Source: DSG
