Arsenal Season Preview - Gunners well placed for strong start
It’s been a long awaited summer of change for Arsenal, not only in the arrival of new manager Unai Emery - who has huge shoes to fill regardless of the state in which Arsene Wenger left the club and the squad. The transfer strategy has changed, with the club acting faster and more logically than in recent seasons, so there is some cause for optimism among the fans, as long as the expectations are realistic.
One to Watch - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Given how far off the pace the side were last season, the start that Aubameyang made to his Arsenal career was somewhat overlooked. After arriving in January the lightning quick Gabonese striker scored ten goals and registered four assists in 13 league appearances and for a side that will always create chances, he should score a hatful.
Best Signing - Lucas Torreira
Much needed additions at the back should bolster Arsenal’s defensive resolve, not to mention a new keeper in Bernd Leno, but it’s stopping opponents from getting that far that has been a long-standing problem. It’s one they have tried to address this summer with the signing of Torreira, and for a relatively modest fee in this market, and that extra tenacity in midfield should at least allow the Gunners to compete for the top four again.
The wait is over… it's #TimeForTorreira 👍
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 10, 2018
Welcome to Arsenal, @LTorreira34 🔴 pic.twitter.com/wnUDYuDMeS
Area of Weakness
Despite signing the imposing Sokratis during the summer, Laurent Koscielny’s ongoing injury concerns mean Arsenal are still light at the back. Shkodran Mustafi shouldn’t be written off just yet despite some questionable performances in the red shirt to say the least, but if the German can’t improve his consistency, Emery is short of top level centre-backs.
Prediction / Best Bet
Given that they have had considerably more of their first team available for pre-season, Arsenal are in a good position to make a fast start to the campaign. They face Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two games, which may seem unfavourable but may actually play in Emery’s favour having had more time with his best players this summer. Betway are offering a price on club’s top be on the top four at Christmas and while Arsenal may not stay there come the end of the season, odds of 2.38 represent decent value to me.
I agree with most of the article, in particular that the fans should be realistic and not expect a run at the title this season, but I highly doubt Lacazette will be on the bench. In pre-season, not only have the team looked better with him in the #9 and Aubameyang on the left but Pierre-Emerick himself has looked better when Lacazette has been up front. They also linked up beautifully at the end of last season. It leaves us a bit weak defensively on the left side with Kolasinac unlikely to receive much help from Auba or Mesut Oezil but the offensive advantages you get by having Aubaemyang/Lacazette far outweigh the miniscule defensive advantage you get from Iwobi/Aubameyang or Lacazette. Also, Emery's formation sheet was photographed during a training session and it showed a setup which can be interpreted as a 4-3-3, 4-1-4-1 or 4-1-2-2-1 (all of which will function similarly). The 4-2-3-1 Gooners have been accustomed to will probably be ditched.
The difference this season is that Arsenal are finally balanced. There is competition in every position (except RW) but that will be finalized before the transfer window closes. Without any European distractions, i think they are in a good position to challenge for top honors in all domestic competitions.