Following Arsenal’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield, can Arsenal use this result as momentum for the rest of the season to become title contenders?
Arsenal were by far the better side and deserved to win by that margin, but it would be foolish to read too much into a game where both sides were missing plenty of first-choice players. Arsenal has now won their second trophy in 85 days after going 3283 days without silverware prior to that.
Perhaps Man City were set out in a way that made Arsenal look very good, but the London side passed the ball well, always made space for each other and were always in control of the game. Despite that there is still plenty for Arsenal fans to be excited about, but know they are not the finished article just yet.
Arsene Wenger has certainly been very active this summer and will probably look to add a few more faces to the squad. Callum Chambers is certainly one for the future, yet he looked impressive and composed against City. Sanchez also Debuchy put in reasonable performances. The Chilean will definitely give a new dimension to the Gunners; however they still look short in a number of areas.
First of all Arsenal fans have been crying out for a tough tackling midfielder for years. This year Wenger has been chasing Sami Khedira, Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho and Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin. Despite Wenger saying he was never after the German, he would be a perfect fit for the London side.
Another area that needs addressing is a new centre back. Following the £15million sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, the Gunners will need a replacement. Although Chambers can play there, Wenger has said he can play in other positions as well. Liverpool’s Daniel Agger or Dortmund’s Matts Hummels would be a fine addition to the squad.
Finally a new striker would really add something. Alexis Sanchez, who can play either out wide or in a central striking role, but with Sanogo still very raw, a new striker would alleviate the pressure and fatigue that Oliver Giroud displayed at times last season. Mario Balotelli continues to be linked.
If these areas are addressed then it would be foolish to suggest that Arsenal are not real title contenders. Arsenal only finished 7 points behind Manchester City last year; it was really only the matches against the big teams that cost the Gunners the title. Too often were they too open last year and torn apart. That’s why a new dominant midfielder to anchor the side must be a priority, in addition would really allow their attacking talent to flourish.
Arsenal look a better side than last year, their victory over City showed they can compete with the Premier League giants, nevertheless are agonisingly close to becoming genuine title favourites and not just contenders.
Source: DSG
