Since relocating from the Olympian heights of Highbury Stadium to the Emirates, Arsenal never had a pre-season so "enthusiastically exhausting". No better way to start a new season with two trophies on the shelf after a long wait of nine years. This much confidence has not been seen in a long time at the Arsenal.
The F.A. cup victory has radiated a new found belief and confidence in Arsene Wenger and the entire club, particularly with the signings of four players within a month, a gesture so unprecedented in the annuals of preparing for a season by Wenger and the club. Alexis Sanchez's prospect brings more unpredictability to the attack than pace and strength everyone notes of him. Nothing else in world football salivates more than the prospect of watching Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott linking up with Sanchez in a most amazing fluid attack line-up. If Jack Wilshere's goal was the best of last season, let us wait on what would become of these bunch together...do not get into the thought, just hold on.
The acquisition of Mathieu Debuchy to replace Bakari Sagna is more like for like and a bit more. The French man's defensive positioning and running was more alert in the friendlies and the community shield matches, he's continental and Premiership experience will come in handy. Sure, Debuchy will provide more attaching width than Sagna.
Calum Chambers attracts more than any signing, he's shown more in two matches to hope for a brighter future. Calum's versatility in central midfield, center back and right back is a bonus for $25 million, but a new central defender is needed or as much another versatile central midfielder who could slot in the defense. It will be suicidal for Wenger to depend on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosielny for the entire marathon of matches. The summer rumors had been of Sami Khedira coming to Arsenal, but William Carvalho will be more astute to the needs of the team more when Arsenal can not solely depend on Mikel Arteta.
Drive, pace, tenacity, vision and energy will be provided by Aaron Ramsey. He is the heart and soul of this team. Wenger must not burn him out by finding the best situation of matches for him to play, even as much will depend more the type of tactic. Ozil and Wilshere are expected to step up this season, and they must.
World Class strikers are of rare value this days, hardly would you find a Lewandolski in the rough. In Giroud and Sanogo, Wenger has two contrasting unpredictable talents. In games against the lesser clubs, Giroud link up play will be of advantage; but facing the big teams the unpredictability and forcefulness of Sanogo is valid even as he will be limited by his inexperience.
Keeping the squad fit will be the greatest challenge for success, the signing of Shad Forsyte not withstanding, Wenger is known for running his first eleven aground before December, he must take a clue for Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho by rotating up to January and then use the first eleven for the last leg of the season.
The depth of the squad is the impetus for a great season, how Arsene manages to rotate will be of greater value to the aspirations of the club. Stubborn as he is, time is ripe for him to prove he is the Moses and the subsequent Joshua to take the team forward. A clearly defined game play according to each opponent is needed this season and not the usual predictable match set up. Arsene, though seem to have his mojo for success back. Whatever he had in Brazil is still up for discussion, but he has to want it all again. The "stars are aligning" for the team, but he has to take advantage of it.
'Bayo
