Arsenal’s previous trophy drought has been a huge low-point for Arsenal fans. However, with the recent success Arsene’s side have had in the FA cup and the Community Shield, Arsenal fans have been given something to cheer about. But if Wenger’s ‘specialist in failure’ days are truly behind him, then why are Arsenal still dismissed as true title contenders? I am not at all an Arsenal fanboy, so I will avoid any exasperating rant involving why we should all bet our life-savings on Wenger’s men winning the BPL. Instead, I will focus on 3 things which make Arsenal the dark-horses to win the league this season and why we shouldn’t write them off, just yet.
So here are my top 3 reasons why Arsenal can win the Premier League:
NUMBER 1: Aaron Ramsey
After watching Arsenal play in their opening game of the season against the manager-less Crystal Palace, it is become plain to see that Aaron Ramsey is emerging as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Ramsey has continually suffered from injuries in his playing career, last season missing 3 months of action. Yet, the Welsh Wizard gained recognition for his performance, being crowned Arsenal’s player of the month for 4 consecutive months from August 2013, as well as continuing his fine form in the FA Cup final where he scored the winning goal for Arsenal. Ramsey looked alert and composed on Saturday’s game against Palace, and by keeping fit and avoiding injury he would be well on his way to emulating some of the Premier League’s midfield greats, such as Lampard and Scholes. The Welshman is clearly a first choice for Arsene, and if he keeps up is goal-scoring form he could easily become the talisman Wenger’s men have been missing in recent years.
NUMBER 2: Return of the World Cup winners
Mertesacker, Özil and Podolski have all enjoyed a hugely successful summer with the German National team and I think these guys could add the stability and quality that Arsenal need to win the Premier League. Callum Chambers has done a good job at centre-half since his move from the gaping-hole formerly known as the Southampton First Team, but he still lacks the experience and physicality which will be vital against some of the bigger teams. Wenger likes to bring in young players and has developed a clear ethos around youth in his team, but with the sale of Thomas Vermaelen for £15million to Barcelona, it seems Arsenal are left weak in defence. No need to worry, Per Mertesacker, who had an impressive World Cup, and who, last season, came in at second as Arsenal’s player of the season, could be the solution here. The defender was also voted in as part of the Premier League Team of the Year last season as well as having a successful stint as Arsenal captain, due to injuries to Vermaelen and Arteta; and even had words with compatriot, Mesut Özil, when the midfielder failed to thank the fans after a 6-3 loss to rival Manchester City. Mertesacker is a tall, strong and experienced centre back that will provide stability to the heart of the Arsenal defence – and alongside Laurent Koscielny will be a formidable partnership.
Similarly, Özil will be able to provide that touch of class and fluidity in midfield, which was so potent last season. Özil, along with the German contingent at Arsenal, will be brewing with confidence and as they have been given extra rest (missing Arsenal’s game against Palace) they will be able to join the campaign fit and refreshed. Perhaps more exciting is the new dimension that Özil can give through link-up play with new signing Alexis Sanchez. Özil’s accurate passing combined with the pace and finishing abilities of Sanchez is something that could cause terror, particularly against the defence of other top teams in the league. This was a major weakness in Arsenal’s previous Premier League campaign with Wenger admitting that his side needs to show consistency against the other title contenders, with Arsenal only wining once against the other teams that finished in the top 4 last season, when they beat Liverpool 2-0. Moreover, this is a big concern as Arsenal suffered catastrophic losses against such teams; with Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively winning 6-3, 1-5, and 6-0.
The return of the Germans can only help resolve this problem. They provide experience and power and with what we have seen already from Arsenal there is no reason to think that they cannot truly challenge for the league title.
NUMBER 3: The Transfer Window Is Still Open
I hear shouts from the haters already, hysteric claims that the impact of Aaron Ramsey and the returning World Cup winners are not enough, Arsenal needs more? Well, to be honest I hear you. This is why I point to the transfer window. I am not saying that Arsenal need to buy Falcao or Cavani, Giroud is a solid target-man and will get goals, along with the Ramsey and other midfielders such as Cazorla, Walcott, Sanchez etc. so I don’t think Arsenal need to worry about strengthening their attacking options. Rather, with the possession-based style of Wenger’s team, many have criticised their ability at winning the ball back and their capability of playing without the ball. This is arguably one of the core issues surrounding their huge defeats to other top teams in the league last season. Arsenal need a defensive midfielder, a sort of ‘CDM’ in FIFA terms. Khedira’s name has been thrown about throughout this transfer window and I think a strong-tackling, holding midfielder is key. Paulinho and Luis Gustavo could be other options for Arsene but this is something that needs to be addressed ASAP, as it is such a vital position in the team.
So there we go guys, my top 3 reasons as to why we can include Arsenal in our discussions as title winners for this season. Of course most of you will see Chelsea or Man City winning the league, and as a Chelsea fan I hope Mourinho’s men dominate! Nonetheless, Arsenal have a team capable of being dark-horses and winning the BPL – definitely some food for thought.