Most neutral's will agree that Arsenal's pre-season has been an impressive one. Victory in Asia, followed by a successful Emirates Cup and then finally beating José's Chelsea in last weekend's Community Shield is making Arsenal fans believe that this season could be the one.
The pundits aren't ruling the Gunners out, although Chelsea quite rightly are still the bookies favourites.
Arsenal did a José on Chelsea by parking the bus; although to be fair, that bus looked very threatening on the break. The Gunners were serious title contenders last year. Now with two FA Cup victories behind them, not to mention the two Community Shield successes, the taste of victory is now becoming much more the norm for the Arsenal players. They seem hungrier and quite rightly like the buzz associated from being real contenders.
The balance seems right for Arsenal. Their young players are now a year more experienced and with world stars such as Cazorla, Özil, Sanchez to help bring them on even more there really is a wonderful opportunity before the Gunners. Some people say you make your own luck in football. Arsenal has a very strong squad. Internationals litter the bench and there is no sound of dissent from players moaning that they are not in the team. Cazorla and Walcott has just signed new long term mega-bucks deals, which is another sign the club are going places.
The signing of Petr Cech was a real masterstroke by Wenger. He exudes class and his sheer presence alone will lift the back four in front of him. I noticed a moment in the Charity Shield where he came out of his box when Arsenal had a corner to make sure Héctor Bellerín was aware that he was out of position. Simple things like this was not being done previously. Yes, you could be critical and say it doesn't need a keeper to highlight something like that, but little things like that WILL make all the difference at Arsenal.
There is more speculation surrounding Benzema and Arsenal this week as papers in Spain report that Real Madrid are about to buy another striker. If this signature signing was pulled off Arsenal could become the bookies favourite. Whatever happens this promises to be a fascinating season for Arsenal fans.
Source: DSG
