Arsenal 2011-12 Season Preview

So, after the dust has settled down following a tumultuous August and a mad finish to the transfer window, we now know who are eligible to play for Arsenal. We've had an extremely rough start to the season, we've had long drawn out transfer sagas which have destabilized the team, we've had an unconvincing preseason, had demoralizing results, and of course we've had the usual injuries to key players. The only silver lining we have right now is that we somehow managed to sign five players in two days(!!!) and hopefully the players that we have at our disposal now actually want to play for us.

The squad:

Players out: Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Eboue, JET, Sunu, Traore

Players out on loan: Bendtner, Denilson, Lansbury, Bartley, Vela

Players in: Gervinho, Jenkinson, Park, Meresacker, Santos, Arteta, Benayoun(loan), Chamberlain, Miyaichi

Players promoted to from reserves: Frimpong, Miquel

Goalkeepers:

Szczesny,  Fabianski,  Mannone,  Almunia

I think we are strong enough in the goalkeeping department. Fabianski and Mannone can provide ample cover for Szczesny. Last season, our goalkeeping was a mess as we didn't have a clear number 1, and we paid for it. We have a better situation now, with Wojciech Szczesny coming of age, Fabianski cutting out his blunders and Mannone eagerly waiting in the wings.

So, are we better off in this department than last season: Yes!

Defenders:

Gibbs, Santos, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Djourou, Squillaci, Miquel, Jenkinson, Sagna

Mertesacker, at 6 ft 6 in, will help us in answering aerial challenges posed by free kicks and corners. He also brings with him quality international experience having played over 75 times for Germany. Hopefully Vermaelen can return soon from his injury and form a formidable combination at the back. In the meantime, Koscielny and Djourou will be able to deputize for the Gunner's vice captain. We have also signed an experienced defender in Brazilian left back Andre Santos. I hope he stays fit and most importantly, avoids all those blunders that Clichy used to make. I hope Gibbs stays injury free enough to provide him some competition for a starting place. Jenkinson will deputize for the ever reliable Sagna and I hope he learns as much from the veteran as possible.

Are we better off in this department than last season:

Yes, but we need to have our two first choice centre backs playing most of the games. Also, Sagna needs to be available for the crucial games. Even if Jenkinson has ability, he is still young and inexperienced to play big games at this level, as the Man United game showed.

Midfielders:

Song, Frimpong, Diaby, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Arteta, Benayoun

Though a player of the calibre of Fabregas cannot be replaced, I'm glad we at least made the move for Arteta. Apart from his vision and passing, he will provide quality from free kicks and I hope he fits in well with our squad, and quickly. Benayoun will also be useful in helping opening up tight defences. Ramsey has been anonymous in his performances so far and he needs to step up his game. Jack Wilshere has been sorely missed in these opening games and hope he returns quickly. Frimpong needs to be more disciplined and controlled in his tackles. Song should continue doing what he does best: breaking up attacks and keeping the ball moving in the midfield and occasionally score the odd Songinho goal.

Diaby, well, this should be a make or break season for him. His recurring injuries have really plagued him and he can hardly play three games on the trot without picking up yet another injury and being sidelined for a month. I hope he fulfills his potential and shake off those injury demons once and for all. Rosicky has been on the wane ever since his big injury and I think this will be the last season for him. He owes the club a big farewell performance whenever he is counted upon.

Are we better off in this department than last season:

No. Apart, from losing players with the quality of Cesc and Nasri, our midfield is precariously thin and at the moment, with injuries to Wilshere and Diaby, we cannot afford any more suspensions or injuries. We really lack depth in midfield compared to last season. Also, with the African Cup of Nations due to take place this January, it becomes imperative that we bring in more bodies in midfield. Thankfully Cameroon have not qualified and that means Alex Song will be available, but Frimpong will probably be joining the Ghana team. I hope Arsene reinforces our midfield with at least one(preferably two) signing(s), even if short term, come January.

Forwards:

van Persie, Walcott, Gervinho, Park, Arshavin, Chamakh, Chamberlain, Miyaichi

Robin van Persie was the lone shining light when we woefully capitulated at the end of last season. He is in the goal scoring form of his life and if he stays fit for the season, there will be no reason why he cannot be the Premier League's top goal scorer. Walcott continues to make his progress and it is good to see him score goals. He just needs to stop being anonymous in some games and get more involved.

Gervinho, well, he excites me every time he has the ball near the opponent's box. He's a real live wire and quite a handful, and he's not afraid to take on defenders or take a pop at the goal. Pity he missed out on the Liverpool game. Park Chu(or Ju, as he likes to be called) Young could turn out to be a gem of a signing, but it remains to be seen how well he adapts to the Premier League. I have to say, the signs are good though, with him scoring four technically very good goals from two matches in the international week.

For Arshavin, like Rosicky, this could be his last season with us. He needs to rediscover his magic that set the Premier League alight two seasons ago. As for Chamakh, I'm really puzzled what has happened to him. When he joined last year, he was scoring goals and making  assists and getting people sent off and what not but ever since Robin returned to fitness, he has been a shadow of the player we saw at the beginning. He really needs to pull his socks up or else he faces the same fate the deadwood in the squad got in the recent transfer window.

Are we better off in this department than last season:

Tricky situation, because we're relying on the fitness and form of van Persie at the moment. On the wings we are fairly strong enough. But the matter concerning the most is at centre forward position. Will Chamakh rediscover his goalscoring form? Will Park be able to adapt? As long as van Persie is there banging in those goals for us, it looks rosy. But even if he remains fit for the whole season, he still isn't expected to play in every game and will either Chamakh or Park step up remains the big question.

My Ideal Starting Line Up(and subs):

Goalkeeper: Szczesny

Defenders: Santos, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna

Midfielders: Song, Wilshere, Arteta

Forwards: Gervinho, van Persie, Walcott

Subs: Fabianski, Gibbs, Koscielny, Ramsey, Frimpong, Arshavin, Benayoun, Park.

Have a great day!