Arsenal v/s Chelsea: Preview

It’s time for the first North London Derby of the season as Arsenal take on Chelsea at the Emirates. 18 Yard Box takes a look as to what can be expected from this clash.

Here we have two teams unbeaten in the league, both fresh from a thumping win in the domestic cup having scored half a dozen goals each; both teams are in top gear. This rivalry might not be the greatest of all but then in terms of the 3 points at stake it’s a really big game. Last season this fixture was a pretty dull affair with neither team managing to score. But then who can forget that 8-goal thriller (which Arsenal won 5-3) at Stamford Bridge, that game probably was the turning point for Arsenal last season. Here is 18 Yard Box’s Pranav Byatnal with the preview and also what might be the probable outcome.

Arsenal

The Gunners are a team well and truly in top form. With 2 wins and 3 draws, which included trips to Anfield, Britannia and Etihad, there is no reason for Arsenal fans to be disappointed. With such a solid start to their campaign, Arsene Wenger should be looking to bag all 3 points on Saturday.

The Deadly Spanish Duo

Strengths

Not the strongest squad of all, but the Gunners are good in all the three departments-attack, midfield & defense. It’s the Spanish duo of Cazorla and Arteta who have been absolutely outstanding in all the matches. Add to it, the back four who have conceded just twice in the League, Arsenal look a well-rounded unit. Also, with 1^st choice keeper Szczesny injured, Mannone has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and has dished out some really impressive performances. And most importantly, the absence of Didier Drogba, Arsenal’s long time nemesis, will further bolster their chances of winning the game.

Weaknesses

There seems to be only one weakness which Arsenal have - Olivier Giroud. The man upfront hasn’t yet scored a goal in the League.. Although he scored on Wednesday, he also missed from the spot which will hardly please the boss. Plus, Arsenal cannot afford to have any defensive blunders like the one which led to the City goal last weekend. The defence needs to stay alert all the time or else Mata and Hazard might just break it.

Chelsea

The European Champions kicked off their campaign in style with three clinical victories. But their last 2 games have been hardly convincing- a draw at Loftus Road against QPR followed by a scrappy win over Stoke. A trip to the Emirates is what Di Matteo wouldn’t like at this time but then given their lofty ambitions they should be going for a win here.

Drogba will be missed by Chelsea

  

Strengths

One of the prime reasons for Chelsea’s League debacle last season was an aged squad. Players couldn’t play 3 matches in 8 days with the same intensity. Now, with the departure of a host of players, Chelsea have infused young blood into the squad. The likes of Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Moses and Marin are all very young and they have the legs to last all the 90 minutes. The Belgian wonder-kid, Eden Hazard has been Chelsea’s biggest strength this season and if he continues with the same form the Blues might as well walk away with a win.

Weakness

Lack of an out and out striker will hurt Chelsea the most. Toress is nowhere near his best and there is a serious lack of depth in the midfield and at the back for Chelsea. With an enviable record of 13 goals in as many occasions, Arsenal were certainly Drogba’s favorite opponents. His absence will be felt right through the game and the Gunners will be nothing but relieved. Add to it Terry’s 4-match ban will force Luiz and Cahill to take control of the defence. Cahill, not one of the nimble footed ones might face trouble against Cazorla and Podolski. 

Importance of a Win-

The luxury of boasting of being the unbeaten team at the end and also the fact that the three points here will give a huge boost to the title ambitions of both the teams will spur the duo to perform well. Arsenal although are unbeaten but have got only 2 wins out of 5 for their showings. Languishing 4 points behind their North London rivals, Arsenal are already playing catch up. Arsene Wenger would be hoping that the Gunners come out of this with a win so that they can continue their title charge. On the flip side, Chelsea have Manchester United breathing down their necks. Hence they would love to extend their lead at the top hoping that United fail against Tottenham Hotspurs in their match. These are 3 huge points at stake and the one who gets it will be certainly on the way top.

The Final Verdict-

A game with few chances is what it looks like. As always Arsenal will love to keep the ball, but even a slight lapse and the likes of Hazard and Mata will pounce on them immediately. It will be Arsenal who will try to push for a win with Chelsea happy to sit back and hit on the counter. A goal-fest looks highly unlikely with a draw being the most probable outcome. But with some magic of Cazorla and the backing of the crowd, Arsenal might have the last laugh.

Written By,

Pranav Byatnal

Pranav is an Editor & Writer for 18 Yard Box.

Transfer Round Up: Chelsea

18 Yard Box analyses the transfer dealings of the European Champions.

Right from the word go, Roberto Di Matteo and his Boss were keen on bringing in Belgian whiz-kid Eden Hazard. But then that was not all, The Blues added lot of players and also many departed the club. Here’s a look at what Chelsea did in this Transfer Window.

What they lacked last season

All eyes will be on this man. Can he deliver?

Chelsea's ageing squad looked well short in the Premier League last season. Although they went on to win the Champions League, the performances of the players, especially during the AVB reign, were less than convincing. With no legs to carry them, Chelsea struggled to break open teams with pace and also retrieve during a counter to stop a goal. The only flair was provided by Daniel Sturridge. The young English international was a sensation last year as he, with his pace and trickery, troubled the mightiest of defences. Apart from him, the only person saving their grace was Didier Drogba. The Ivorian striker was ignored by Andre Villas Boas for the better part of the last season but he came to back to make a statement by almost single handedly winning Chelsea the Champions League.

Moreover, the Blues looked short in the midfield with Meireles the only replacement for the long serving Lampard. With less quality on bench Chelsea certainly needed a revamp. And so it was provided by their Russian owner

Ins & Outs-

IN: Eden Hazard (Lille, £32m), Oscar (Internacional, £25m), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £7m), George Brady (Cannes, £250,000), Thorgan Hazard (Lens, undisclosed). 


OUT: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, free), Salomon Kalou (Lille, free), Jacob Mellis (Barnsley, free), Marko Mitrovic (Brescia, free), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), Rohan Ince (Yeovil, loan), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg, loan), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Tomas Kalas (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Ulises Dávila (Sabadell, loan), Jhon Pírez (Sabadel, loan), Milan Lalkovic (Vitoria Guimaraes, loan), Matej Delac (Vitoria Guimaraes, loan), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag), Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen, loan), Ben Gordon (Birmingham, loan), Romelu Lukaku (WBA, loan), Sam Walker (Bristol Rovers, loan). 


Released: Jose Bosingwa.

What they improved

A Team for the Future!

Bringing quality re-enforcements in the form of Oscar, Hazard and Marin to name a few, Chelsea have sorted the problems of a squad being troubled by dead legs. A team for the future, Chelsea have already begun their Premier League campaign as one of the favourites to clinch the title.

The older players were amicably sent-off by the Russian owner. Infusing the club with young blood, has certainly made the Blues’ fans happy, who were a bit disappointed with ageing squad of last season. Also, players like Bertrand and Sturridge who are already part of the squad are talented & have proven themselves when given the chance. Oscar and Kevin De Bruyne are potential replacements for Lampard in the long run.

This season Chelsea look like a side which can be served as a rich flavour of enigmatic youth with experience as its topping. 

What they still lack

Can anyone replace 'D' Drogba?

Having missed out on signing an out and out striker like Radamel Falcao, it is the goals which will be a major cause of concern. Fernanado Torres is yet to prove his 50 million price tag as he is the biggest underperformer Chelsea have this season. Add to it the departure of Drogba and one wonders as to where those crucial match-winners will come from. Drogba alongwith him took his aerial threat and match winning blockbusters. Moreover taking a closer look at their squad, Chelsea lack in terms of depth. Although Chelsea have bought well, the end of transfer window saw the departures of Bosingwa, Meireles, Kalou, Essien (on loan), De Bruyne (on loan) and Lukaku (on loan). Terry, Cole & Lampard aren’t getting any younger by the day and they seriously lack in depth at the back as well as in the midfield. 

Buy of the Season-Eden Hazard

A priceless asset.

Eden Hazard is our pick of the season when it comes to Chelsea's buy of the season. A long drawn transfer saga ended with the Belgian agreeing a move to the European Champions for a staggering fee of  £32mn. A lot was said about the inflated price tag but if his current form is what he’ll be providing throughout the season then this man is certainly worth every pound Roman paid for him. Intelligent, hard-working and unselfish coupled with great passing & shooting skills make him a world-class player. With Hazard in the side, Chelsea fans have already set their sights on the Premier League crown.

Comment: Chelsea possess a very strong this season. However, it remains to be see if this squad delivers. Torres will have to step up if the team challenges for the silverwares this season. They have already announced their intention this season with a very strong start which sees them topping the Premier League charts. However with games against the other top 4 teams still to come Chelsea might just fall short due to their squad depth. Chelsea have bought really well but sold poorly.

Written By,

Pranav Byatnal.

Pranav is an Editor & Writer for 18 Yard Box.

Manchester City V/S Arsenal : Preview

Super Sunday has for us a super game. The Etihad will host the high flying Emirates side as the Citizens take on the Gunners. 18 Yard Box looks at how the game will fare and also as to what the result maybe. 

The last time Arsenal played Manchester City in the Premier League they had all but ensured their downfall. A Mikel Arteta stunner from 20 yards settled matters between the two. Roberto Mancini's men will be looking to avenge their loss in front of their home crowd.

A match that sees the defending champions take on the in form Gunners will be a treat to watch. 18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai analyses each team separately and gives the final verdict as to who will come out on tops in this high profile clash.

Manchester City

Can he be stopped?

2 draws and 2 wins in the first four games is not exactly the way City would have wanted them start their title defence. The Premier League Champions have looked out of sorts in their previous games. Although undefeated, they have faced situational crisis already this season. Mancini would be hoping that his boys show mental strength after a 3-2 loss against Real Madrid in the midweek. 

Strengths

From the outside its really difficult to find weakness in this star-studded line up. City have every potion required to create magic. A little wizardry of Silva coupled with the Troll like strength of Yaya Toure completes the magical school for City. The return of Sergio Aguero will provide City with the much needed boost that they require. The former Ateltico Madrid man was the third highest goal scorer last season and will be looking to make a comeback against the Gunners. City's defence looks strong with Kompany and Lescott more than able to deal with Arsenal's strikeforce. Moreover the luxury of choosing either one from Dzeko, Balotelli, Tevez and Aguero shows the kind of squad City possess.

Weakness

The only weakness that City possess is in the full back region. The injury to Micah Richards has forced Mancini to invest on Maicon in the transfer market. However the Brazilian has not yet come to terms with the Premier League and has struggled in the two games he has played. Moreover, Gael Clichy has failed to bring alongwith the the form he had at Arsenal. Mancini would do better to play Kolorov and Zabaletta on Sunday if they have to deal with the trickery of Gervinho and Chamberlain and overlapping runs of Arsenal's full backs.

Arsenal

The duo need to combine well if Arsenal want to win

Having extended their unbeaten start to the season to 5 matches, after their recent Champions League away win, the Gunners are turning on the heat required to challenge for the honours this season. The recent performance against Montpellier has shown that Arsenal can attack as well as defend this season. Arsene Wenger will love to stamp their authority by another victory at the Eithad.

Strengths

Attack, defence and midfield. There is no one place where Arsenal lack this season. Having scored ten and conceded only twice in all competitions this season, Arsenal are a team to reckon with. They might not possess the luxuries which City does, when it comes to picking a squad, but have enough firepower to destroy any team. The likes of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have gelled in well and are already starting to prove their worth. With 4 goals between them, the duo are also acting as providers. Moreover, the rejuvenation of Gervinho has also added to Arsenal's artillery this season. The Ivorian has been in top form this season and has got his name already on the score sheet thrice in all competitions. To add to this the news of the return of Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong to full training this week will boost the moral of the Gunners.

Weakness

The only but the most important weakness which Arsenal have is Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has played a part in almost all the matches for the Gunners this season and has failed to score a single goal. A disappointing start to his season, Giroud hasnt lived upto the tag of a 'replacement' for Van Persie. To add to this the Gunners will have to be careful as to not let in too many cheap goals like they did against Southampton and Montepellier in the week.

Importance of the win

Both managers will be looking for all three points

Both teams will be looking for three points when they step on to the field on Sunday. City lie on fourth position (on goal difference) with Arsenal just in front. The Champions will like to get their season up and running and this will be a good opportunity to show that they are not one season miracles. On the other hand after 7 trophyless years Arsenal looks like they have finally produced a squad which can challenge for silverware this season. This will be their first major test of the season and they would like to win it to make their presence felt.

The Final Verdict

An open game with Gunners dominating possession is on the cards. City's counters can prove to be menacing and at home they will start as favourites. However Arsenal will provide City a stern test and will hit the ground running right from the starting whistle. City will be low on confidence going into this one. A high scoring draw is what most would think but a 2-1 win to the high flying Gunners might just be possible.

Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh Ghai is a writer for Goal.com India, contributor for Goal.com International (all English editions) and Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

Liverpool V/S Manchester United: Preview

18 Yard Box builds up to one of the most awaited clashes of the season.

Sunday will see what is England’s, if not the world’s fiercest and evenly-fought club rivalry re-ignite as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield in a lunch time kick off. This one though, will certainly be a bit different due to the recent expositions of the tragic Hillsborough disaster in 1996 which have charged up the emotions. The entire footballing world, United included, have graciously come forth in support of Liverpool F.C. at such a time, which is always nice to see. 

There is also the small matter of the Suarez-Evra racism debacle from last season which went overboard when the Uruguayan refused to shake Evra’s hand in the league match at Old Trafford. What followed were incessant feuds and comments in the press, the departure of Kenny Dalglish from the helm at Liverpool (replaced by Brendan Rodgers), United’s from the helm of the league, and here we are.

But come Sunday the focus will be on football. 18 Yard Box's contributor Medha Ghai covers the clash from every angle and also predicts the outcome.

Liverpool

Sterling can provide the stir to liven up the atmosphere

The home team come into the game on the back of a decent 1-1 draw at Sunderland. A poor League form which has seen Liverpool pick up just 2 points in their four encounters can go worse if they fail to turn up the heat against United. Brendan Rodgers' plans have hit a dead end and he may have to conjure something different to come out as victors.

Strengths

Looking at the last game against a solid Sunderland side, the second half was a heartening one for Liverpool fans to watch. 66% domination of possession and creation of several goal-scoring opportunities, cohesion in midfield and fluidity in attack characterized a very good display from the Reds.  Suarez, who has come under criticism for not putting away his chances, got his goal in a game that Liverpool probably just deserved to win. Youngster Raheem Sterling has come in for a lot of praise from all corners of the club and is an exciting prospect. The likes of Gerrard and Allen have called for patience as Rodgers’ puzzle seems to slowly solve itself, his system settling in. Players are slowly coming to know their roles in the team and the team looked well drilled against a resilient Sunderland side.

Weaknesses

Defence, individual errors and lapses at the back, have cost Liverpool dearly against the likes of West Brom, Man City and Arsenal. Any such mistakes will undo all efforts on Sunday. Pepe Reina is another surprising weak link. His form has been shaky and a few costly errors have seen the Spaniard’s confidence take a dip. Against a star-studded United attack, the smallest error at the back will be punished. Agger and Skirtel will have to be on their toes stop the United goal scoring machine- Robin Van Persie. Moreover the full backs will have their task cut out to stop the searing pace attacks by the skilled United wingers.

Manchester United

United will travel to Anfield on the back of a tricky 1-0 win Galatasaray in Europe. The clean sheet and big goal margin against Wigan last weekend, including goals for new boys Buttner and Powell, were a much needed oiling for the wheels of the title chasing machine. The return of Robin Van Persie to full fitness will boost the United camp as they still await Rooney's comeback. 

Van Persie's form will be the key for United

Strengths

Attack. Surely, it has been one strong point of United’s games so far this season. Since the opening day defeat at Everton, United’s attack has been growing in stature and menace. With Wayne Rooney’s gash keeping him out, a certain talisman Robin Van Persie will be leading the line for United. Arsenal fans will recall his sweet volley that fetched 3 points for the Gunners at Anfield last season. Alexander Buttner’s gut-busting display combined with Paul Scholes goal at the weekend, completing a remarkable 700 games, will boost Sir Alex’s options.

Weaknesses

Defensive frailties have refused to go away for United. Bullied by Fellaini on the opening day and sloppy performances against Fulham and Southampton have seen United leak quite a few goals, especially from set pieces. Vidic and Ferdinand still seem far away from the partnership that shut out attackers across Europe in 2008. There is one question that looms large. Who will start in goal: acrobatic De Gea or the reliable Lindegaard? Main man Wayne Rooney’s thigh gash looks set to rule him out. Moreover Sir Alex will have to rethink his strategy of starting Nani as the Portuguese has been the weaklink of the 19 time title winners.

Importance of a win

Both teams need the 3 points just as much as the other. For Liverpool, it will be a huge boost to the club and fans if they can rack up the first 3 points of the season against bitter rivals, United, against the backdrop of extreme emotion. Considering how narrow the margins were last season, United need the points to slot into the top 2 as we enter the stretch towards the first 10 games of the season. A good run of form now will be a huge boost to both clubs. The stakes are quite high For one its the question of shutting up their noisy neighbours and for the other its a matter of getting their lost glory back.

Matters will have to be resolved on field

The Final Verdict

A high scoring contest can be on the cards and these kind of games usually create upsets. However predicting such games can be a nightmare. Liverpool have yet to get off mark whereas on the other hand United have hit the ground running (except for the Everton disappointment). Off recently the Anfield has been a happy hunting ground for most teams as Liverpool have let their once upon a time fortress crumble. United start as favourites to put the tie to bed. Liverpool look the weaker side going into the contest but Allen's midfield control coupled with Suarez's technical ability might earn Liverpool a draw. 

Written By,

Medha Ghai

Medha is a contributor for 18 Yard Box.

Transfer Roundup- Manchester City

The Citizens have had a tough start to their season. 18-yard-box reviews how the big spenders fared this time in the transfer market

Players like Edinson Cavani, Fernando Llorente, Radamel Falcao,and Javi Martinez were all tipped to wear the blue outfit but none of them ended up coming to the Etihad. A dull transfer market it was for City. It looked like Mancini was happy with the squad at hand and wanted to create a legacy of the team.

However being drawn again in the group of death in the Champions League provoked Mancini to make 5 signings in the last 26 hours of the window. Arsene Wenger did it last year and now it was Mancini's turn. 18 Yard Box analyses the transfer dealings and what they bring to the already star-studded side.

What They Lacked Last Season

Can City survive without this midfielder?

When a team turns out to be the Champions, it is hard to find what they lacked. But still, no team is perfect.  Joe Hart won the golden glove last season but  the defenders did little to help him. Other than Kompany and Lescott, the defence was rather very weak. Kompany's injury left City with the inexperienced Savic, an unreliable defender. The left backs last season were impressive but sticking to Clichy , who could not reproduce the form which he had Arsenal, was not a wise decision. 

City lacking depth is not usual but with no one to replace Yaya Toure in the CDM position last season, City were over reliant on the Ivorian. The likes of Barry could not step in when Toure was injured and City's frailties were seen.  

Ins And Outs

Rodwell In De Jong Out! Smart move?

The Ins-

1.       Jack Rodwell (Everton, 14 million)

2.       Scott Sinclair (Swansea City, 7 million)

3.       Matija Nastasic (Fiorentina, 12 million)

4.       Maicon (Inter Milan, 3 million)

5.       Javi Garcia (Benfica, 17.5 million)

6.       Richard Wright (Preston, Free)

The Outs

1.       Adam Johnson (Sunderland, 11 million)

2.       Nigel De Jong (AC Milan, 3.5 million)

3.       Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham, 6 million)

4.       Vladimir Weiss (Pescara, 3 million)

5.       Stefan Savic (Fiorentina, part deal for Nastasic)

Released

Owen Hargreaves, Gunnar Nielsen

What they improved this season

Javi Garcia might be answer to City's midfield woes

Adding Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia to the sqaud not only increases the depth but provides enough cover should Silva or Yaya Toure become victims to injuries. Getting in Nastasic as a part deal for Savic might prove to be a master stroke.  Keeping the Argentine duo alongwith Dzeko and Balotelli inspite of fight for places is something Mancini would be proud of. City are surely not short in front of goal and have well to keep their talismen from going anywhere.

What they still lack

Maicon needs to step up his game

The injury to Richards has forced Manicini to dig deep in his pockets and buy Maicon. However the Brazilian lacks Premier League experience and has been the weakpoint of City's defence so far. Caught tracking back alot of times against Madrid, Maicon still has a lot to learn about the Premier League before making the right  back place his own. With Arsenal coming up City will surely not be reliant on him.

The recent failure against Madrid was accompanied by the excuse of inexperience in Europe which is not going to work anymore. If a man invests a billion Euros in a team and has a squad boasting many big names in Europe, he expects the results at the earliest. A failure to get out of the group stages might spell the end of the Mancini era.

Buy of the Season- Javi Garcia

The 26 year old former Benfica midfielder has to be the buy of the season. A thorough box to box midfielder, Javi Garcia has already made an impact by scoring in his debut. Moreover he has also helped Yaya Toure by tracking back and thereby freeing him to play his attacking style of football. The Spanish international has linked with his compatriot David Silva pretty well and together the trio might be the midfield of the Premier League. 

Comment: The season has not started well for Mancini's men. 2 draws and 2 wins in the League program sees them 2 points adrift of the League leaders Chelsea. City need to up their game to match the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who are already looking strong to snatch their crown away. If City do not defend their title then they will have no one but themselves to be blamed. On paper City have the strongest squad but games are never won on paper. Are they?

Written By,

Arjun Mishra

Arjun is a contributor for 18 Yard Box.

Transfer Round-Up : Arsenal

The Gunners are on a roll after a stellar 6-1 win over the Saints. 18 Yard Box looks at how wisely Arsenal have spent this season.

The transfer market which started in an unusual way for the Gunners ended at a note of misery. Having secured the services of Lukas Podolski even before the transfer market was open, Arsenal looked like a  team on a mission. But the departures of their two best players of last season made it clear that Arsenal were upto their usual self and slowly becoming a selling club.

However there were positives to be taken out of the transfer market. 18 Yard Box looks at how Arsenal have changed themselves from last season after their transfer dealings.

What they lacked last season

The midfield maestro's absence last season pinched the Gunners

Depth is what comes to mind when we talk about last season. Arsenal, with perennial injuries to Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby last season, lacked depth in midfield. Arshavin was no good and the only consolation the Gunners had was Mikel Arteta. Although Alex Song helped tremendously but Arsenal were walking on a thin line when it came to back up. Benayoun signed on loan was the only notable back up available with Coquelin and Frimmpong not experienced enough. Arshavin was terrible and the only player to fill the CAM role for Arsenal was Tomas Rosicky. And luckily for the Gunners he did pretty well. 

Another department where Arsenal lacked depth was the defence. With injuries to Mertesacker, Gibbs, Santos and Sagna, Arsenal were heavily reliant on Koscielny and Vermaelen at the back. Vermaelen had to shift to the left back position and the unreliable Djouru had to be called. The right back area was well looked after by Jenkinson until he got injured and the young Nico Yennaris had to be called to fill in that role. Arsenal played with a make shift defence for most of the last season and it greatly reflected on the number of goals conceded by Arsene Wenger's men.

A deep concern for the Gunners was the striking department. With the injury plagued Robin Van Persie only to rely on Gunners would have been in a terrible position had he not been in the side. An almost solo effort, considering Chamakh was a bit part player, to drag Arsenal through left Gunners wanting for a striker.

Ins and Outs

The trio need to fire for the Gunners

IN: Santi Cazorla (Malaga FC, £16.5m), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier, £12m), Lukas Podolski (Cologne, £11.9m).

OUT: Robin van Persie (Manchester United, £22m) Carlos Vela (Real Socieded, £6m), Manuel Almunia (Watford, free), Tom Cruise (Torquay, free), Ben Glasgow (Stoke, free), Gavin Hoyte (Dagenham & Redbridge, free), Jeffrey Monakana (Preston, free), Rhys Murphy (Telstar, free), Oguzhan Ozyakup (Besiktas, undisclosed), Pedro Botelho (Atlético Paranaense, free), Sean McDermott (Sandnes Ulf, free), Alban Bunjaku (Sevilla, free), George Brislen-Hall (Norwich, free), James Campbell (Dundee United, free), Benif Afobe (Bolton, loan), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan), Joel Campbell (Real Betis, loan), Ryo Miyaichi (Wigan, loan).

Robin Van Persie will be sorely missed

Released: James Campbell, Sean McDermott.

What they improved this season

The return of Diaby has added steel to the midfield

Arsenal's defence looks rock solid with all of the defenders fit barring Sagna. Conceding only one goal in four games shows us the glimpse of what we can expect from the defence. The return of Abou Diaby, the 'complete midfielder',  has added cover to the defence. Wilshere is on his way back and the experience of Arteta is at the Gunners' disposal. 

Alongwith Arshavin and Rosicky, Arsenal have also added the 27 year old Spanish international Santi Cazorla in their ranks to fill up the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Ramsey looks sharp and if all goes well Arsenal could have a midfield to reckon with. Surely depth is not the problem this season.

One added advantage this season is that Arsenal are filled with players who can play in a variety of positions. The likes of Santi Cazorla can be deployed on the wings as well as in the centre. The defence can also be reshaped as and when required with Vermaelen and Koscielny proving themselves in the left back and the right back areas respectively last season. If need be Podolski, Walcott, Gervinho and Chamberlain can all play the centre forward role.

What they still lack

Giroud needs to start firing and fast

The departure of Robin Van Persie has a left a gaping hole up front. Although Giroud and Podolski have been bought, the duo will still take time to adapt. Moreover Giroud's performance in front of goal has been less than impressive. It will take a great amount of effort and time to for the Gunners to replicate a one man herculian effort by none other than their ex-talisman.

Buy of the season- Santi Cazorla

MVP for Arsenal so far

The former Malaga man was bought for a bargain price when it comes seeing his quality. Having already made the CAM position is own, he has been the star man for Arsenal till now. Pulling the strings of the midfield, he has linked with the strikers pretty well and has created plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Having scored one and assisted one against a quality side like Liverpool, Cazorla can play on the left, centre and right of the midfield. He can also play the holding midfield role of Arteta and does helps the defence by coming deep at times. He surely is Arsenal's buy of the season.

Comment: With all areas almost well looked after and the arrival of Jack Wilshere pending, the Arsenal side look extremely strong this season. Having the ability to field two decent sides this season Arsenal, for the first time since the departure of Thierry Henry, look that they can win the Premier League. But for that they need all the players to chip in goals and make up for the loss of Van Persie. Arsenal have bought well and sold well. 

Written By, 

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, a contributor for Goal.com International (all English editions) and an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

Transfer Roundup- Manchester United

18 Yard Box has a look at the Red Devils and their transfer dealings

The transfer window is that time of the year when any player can be linked with or sold to any team in the world. The close of the transfer period has finally ended months of speculation as managers frantically attempted to add much needed reinforcements to their squad and some even changed the entire squad.

18 Yard Box focuses on Manchester United and the impact of their transfer dealing.

What they lacked last season

A new season brings new hope

After losing the Premier League crown on the last day of the season on goal difference, Manchester United needed to do some introspection and recharge the squad for the new season. United lacked a consistent, creative playmaker like David Silva for Man City as they found it difficult to create chances. Wayne Rooney was the heart and soul of the United team last season. Over dependence on the striker proved costly as United made an early exit from the Champions League. Patrice Evra has shown signs of slowing down and the man who played 90 minutes in all United games suddenly needed backup. The defence was in dire state as Rio Ferdinand looked nervy. The injuries also played their part as United dearly missed Darren Fletcher for most part of the last season.

Ins and Outs

IN: Robin van Persie (Arsenal, £22m), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund, £17m), Nick Powell (Crewe, £2.75 rising to £4m). 


OUT: Park Ji-Sung (QPR, £2.5m), Ritchie de Laet, Matthew James (Leicester, £2m combined), Febian Brandy (Walsall, free), Liam Jacob (Oldham, free), Paul Pogba (Juventus, free), Tomas Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Oliver Norwood (Huddersfield, free), Ben Amos (Hull City, loan), Reece Brown (Coventry, loan), John Cofie (Sheffield United, loan), Fabio Da Silva (QPR, loan), Sean McGinty (Oxford United, loan.) 


Released: Michael Owen, Joe Coll.

What they improved on

All seems well. But is it?

The team has addressed most of their squad concerns and gone on to sign the likes of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa to bolster their depleted squad with some attack-minded players. The introduction of Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem has strengthened the defense by providing Evra with reinforcements. Having carried an entire team on his shoulders, Van Persie is no stranger to the pressure of playing in the premier league at the highest level. Shinji Kagawa is a man who can make passes out of nowhere and outrun most other players in the world as he has shown in Germany. Nick Powell and Angelo Henriquez are also welcome additions to a squad which needed desperate changes.

What they still lack

Timeless legends! But how long will they continue?

United have got their creative midfielder but they could have signed another player who could give Sir Alex a choice. It seems the mystery of who will succeed Paul Scholes will continue for another season. United also lack a truely left-footed winger to replace the Welsh legend Ryan Giggs. Though they seem happy with signing Buttner, it is well known that Everton left-back Leighton Baines was United’s first preference for the spot. Buttner’s ability to adapt to life in the Premier League remains to be seen though. Another cause for concern is the ever growing injury list in the defense which saw Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans injured all at the same time. Its time United give their youth academy graduates a shot at the big league failing which more players might follow Pogba and Morrison out of Old Trafford.

Buy of the season- Robin Van Persie

Justified every penny spent on signing him

Without a doubt this title belongs to Dutch striker Robin van Persie who made the move to Manchester United from north Londoners Arsenal for a reported 24 million Pounds. Skeptics doubted the manager’s logic in signing a 29 year old, injury prone genius with absolutely no resale value. However, he has gone on to silence his critics with impressive displays against Fulham and Southampton. If he continues to stay in such good form and away from injuries he can propel United to the top of the table with assistance from Wayne Rooney and industrious Midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

Written By,
Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box