Team Name: Arsenal
Team Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Star Players: Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas
Rising Stars: Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey
Last Season
Last season Arsenal played probably the best football in the league with no reward for all their hard work. The Gunners were top of the league for the first half of the season, but the second half of the season they suffered due to injuries and loss of form. The team also suffered from the lack of experience. The side made some naive mistakes in the second half of the season. Manchester United and Chelsea though managed to capitalise on their loss of form and Arsenals season tailed off resulting in them finished a disappointing 3rd in the league.
Arsenal impressed with their breathtaking attacking play last season. Cesc Fabregas impressed in the centre of the midfield. The player wasn’t renowned for his goalscorer before last season but the little Spaniard got on the scoresheet regularly as he broke from midfield. The Gunners style of play was dictated by the little Spaniard in the middle of the park and the highly rated player was linked with a move back to Spain. The Euro 2008 winner has however refuted reports he wants to move and has said he is happy at the Emirates Stadium.
This Season
I worry for Arsenal this season they have sold three experienced players and brought in only one. The one signing Arsene Wenger has made is youngster Samir Nasri from Marseille for an undisclosed fee. Although highly rated the youngster is inexperienced. Arsene Wenger though has a good record of bringing youngsters into his teams. The concerning thing about Arsenal is the sales of Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Alexander Hleb. These players will be missed as last season Flamini was the anchorman in midfield allowing Fabregas to get forward and create.
Wenger has also lost highly experienced Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva who was previously captain of the Gunners. The Player even at 31-years old is still a very good player to have in a squad. Hleb was also a key part of that midfield which played such attractive football. Wenger was powerless however when Barcelona came calling. The player came out and told the club he wanted a move. I really hope Arsene Wengers team are successful this season as they are so good to watch but I’m afraid I don’t think they will be.
Premier League Prediction: 4th