18 Yard Box looks at why this could be Arsenal's year after a stellar 6-1 win over the Saints.
Its been four games played and the Gunners havent put a foot wrong this season so far. Good defensive performances against Sunderland and Stoke have been followed by attacking masterclass against Liverpool and Southampton. This sure is a sign of things to come and 18 Yard Box's Aman Arora thinks Arsenal can go the distance this year. Here are the reasons why.
Attacking prowess
An irresistible attack consisting of Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla coupled with the killer finishing of Oliver Giroud, this Arsenal attack could be the most settled as compared to a couple of years before. Although, Giroud has failed to fire in the first three games of the season, his ability to get past stubborn defenses is proven as is his passing ability and his creation of chances for his team members. Along with this,the ability of Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain cannot certainly be underestimated and they can be a handful on their day.
Departures not a problem
Its been four games played and the Gunners havent put a foot wrong this season so far. Good defensive performances against Sunderland and Stoke have been followed by attacking masterclass against Liverpool and Southampton. This sure is a sign of things to come and 18 Yard Box's Aman Arora thinks Arsenal can go the distance this year. Here are the reasons why.
Attacking prowess
An irresistible attack consisting of Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla coupled with the killer finishing of Oliver Giroud, this Arsenal attack could be the most settled as compared to a couple of years before. Although, Giroud has failed to fire in the first three games of the season, his ability to get past stubborn defenses is proven as is his passing ability and his creation of chances for his team members. Along with this,the ability of Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain cannot certainly be underestimated and they can be a handful on their day.
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| Podolski looks to have taken the 'play maker' mantle left by Fabregas and Persie |
Departures not a problem
The
departures of key players like Thierry Henry, Ljunberg, Reyes had left them a
lot of gaps which were found difficult to be filed by youngsters such as Fabregas,
Nasri, Rosicky, Alexander
Hleb immediately who were work in progress and subsequently left in search of
“trophies”. But for the first time in about 5 seasons, Arsenal looks to have a
well settled midfield, having players who are well into their prime and
probably enjoying the best period of their playing careers. The return of a
young but irresistible Jack Wilshere will inject fresh blood into the squad and
hoping he remains fit of the remainder of the season, they will have midfield
capable of emulating the heroics of the 2004 season where they went through the
entire season unbeaten. Although they have drawn 2 and won 1 this season, their
defense looks solid with the return of marshal Steve Bould and the attack just
about begins to settle as Poldi and Cazorla start to settle with life in
England. A special mention to the tireless Mikel Arteta, who virtually controls
the midfield every time he steps on to the field.
 |
| Giroud will have to get back to his scoring self soon |
Return
of Diaby
Remember the impact Diaby made during the 2009-2010 season which was the first time he had a proper pre-season for the first time with Arsenal, pitching in with regular goals and assists along with playing his regular box-to-box type game with relative ease? And this was when he was competing for his position with Song and Fabregas. Now, that they both have departed, it’s all Diaby’s to play for. Although the competition had reduced with Fabregas having departed last year, the season was his worst due to injuries forcing him to make only 4 appearances in the League. Now, once again he has had a pre-season and I expect him to dominate the defensive midfield role with ease marshalling the water tight defense they have.
 |
| Diaby needs to be fit and consistent if Arsenal are to succeed |
Leading the line from the back
Although Vermaleen has been leading the backline for Arsenal since his arrival, naming him the captain of the side has proved to bring out the best in him. A strong character, Vermaleen has cherished captaining this side up till now which has been proved by the way he conducts himself and his team during a game. He has managed to make their defense a rock alongside Mertesacker.The German international has taken full advantage of Koscielny's injury and has not put a foot wrong. The arrival of Steve Bould adds to the advantage.
 |
| The duo have been brilliant at the back for Arsenal |
Departure
of Alex Song
Although one would argue that it was Song who had a good amount of assists for Van Persie last year, he could have been the ingredient that spoils the cake this season. With reports of him having a poor attitude on not getting a new contract with improved wages this season doing the rounds, and Wenger already having a fit Diaby, Wilshere, Arteta who can play in his position and probably better than him, it was certainly a right decision to cash in on him.
Having performed as an engine player for Arsenal, and been given the duty of a defensive midfielder, he often committed forward, neglecting his actual duties. Not only this, but lacking a personal discipline on the pitch with an irresponsible attitude, Wenger's decision to sell him is a blessing in disguise for Diaby, Rosicky and probably Wilshere.
Comment:
After four games the Gunners sit pretty in the third position. The actual test will come in the following weeks when they will face Manchester City, Montepellier, Chelsea and Coventry City in a matter of two weeks. If they progress unscathed then they surely have the will and the grit to win the Premier League crown after seven years.
Written by,
Aman Arora.
Aman is a writer for 18 Yard Box and a contributor for Sportskeeda.com
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