After securing their first trophy for an unprecedented amount of years and securing a solid 4th place finish Arsenal were really expected to challenge for the Premier League this term. However a slow start has left many fans in disarray about the possibilities of Arsenal winning the league, especially after the start Chelsea have made. But is there still a glimmer of hope for Arsenal, in regards to the league?
Arsenal have bought, in Sanchez, one of the best players in the Premier League. With 11 goals in 16 games the Chilean is in sparkling form, with people running out of superlatives to describe him. Chambers was another addition that has impressed the Arsenal fans. At £16 million it looks like an astute piece of business by Arsene Wenger.
He looks assured at both centre back and right back and is a great investment not only for the future, but also for Arsenal right now. Another English addition Welbeck has added a much needed pace that has been devoid in the Arsenal front line in recent times. Ospina has made less of an impact but provides able back up to Szczesny.
However the two areas where Arsenal fans were desperate to see signings did not arrive. The weak core that is synonymous with Arsenal has not been addressed. A defensive midfielder to compliment the likes of Ramsey, Ozil, Arteta, and Wilshere was not found. The likes of Chelsea, Man City and Man United to a degree with Fellani have great protection in front of their defensive. This makes it difficult for teams to break them down.
If Arsenal truly want to win the league then they need to quickly address this problem, hopefully in January. The increasingly isolated figure of Sami Khedira at Real Madrid would not only fit in with the German contingent at Arsenal, but also his robust style of play is exactly what they need. Centre back is the other position that Arsenal need to add depth in.
Arsenal rarely drop points against the so-called ‘lesser’ teams in the league. The way Arsenal monopolize possession against these teams culminates in these teams running out of energy and Arsenal being able to overcome the bus that they usually park. The problem for Arsenal though is their form against the big teams.
Last season Wenger’s side took just six points from a possible 24 against Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton. This is by no means title-winning form. In the past Wenger has been slightly dogmatic in terms of his tactics in these big games but there can be no place for it this term. He must take inspiration from Mourinho who is very flexible with his tactics for the big games and often comes out victorious.
I sadly do not think Arsenal have a chance with the league this year. Chelsea look very strong and Man City will undoubedtly get better with the quality and depth of their squad. Arsenal are not a million miles away and with some more world class additions like Sanchez in January and in the summer they might finally be able to compete with the two giants in English football at the moment: Manchester City and Chelsea.