Arsenal are set to make a title charge in 2014-15 after they started brightly last time out but faded badly. Arsene Wenger has spent big in the transfer market (nearly $100 million) and with Alexis Sanchez arriving up front, Gunners fans could have a new cult hero. Other top players such as Sami Khedira continue to be linked with a move to the Emirates as the frugal past has been cast aside.
[RELATED: Full PL season preview]
Last season the North Londoners came close to shocking everyone as they lead the Premier League standings for over half the season. However a small squad, injuries and loss of form led to a dramatic capitulation which saw them hang onto fourth place late in the season as they managed to quell the threat of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. Winning the FA Cup by beating Hull City, 3-2 in extra time, was the icing on the cake as Wenger signed a new deal after clinching his first piece of silverware in nine long years. More is expected this term.
Transfers In: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona, $50 million ) Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle, $20 million), Calum Chambers (Southampton, $18.5 million), David Opsina (Nice, $5.3 million),
Transfers Out: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea, Free), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City, Free), Nicklas Bendtner (Free), Johan Djourou (Hamburg, $4.2 million), Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad, Buy-back option terminated)
| Full PL schedule | Watch Arsenal live via Live Extra | BPL on NBC schedule |
Last season: The Gunners finished fourth last season. That meant they qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the 18th straight season but it was a story of ‘what could have been’ for Arsene Wenger’s side as they led the Premier League up until January. Injuries, a loss of form and balancing a small squad took its toll but they did pick up a first piece of silverware in nine years, with the FA Cup in hand. Here is a recap of their 2013-14 season.
Star player: Alexis Sanchez
Just like they did last summer by bringing in Mesut Ozil, Arsenal splashed the cash to bring in a genuine superstar. Sanchez, 25, has shone for Barcelona over the past few seasons and his performances for Chile during the World Cup showcased his supreme talent. His incredible pace, eye for goal and ability to play in a variety of attacking positions means he should slot in with Arsenal well. The big question mark is whether or not Sanchez adapts to the physicality of the Premier League straight away. If he does, he has all the attributes to be one of the top strikers in the league. Arsenal have been lacking that, Olivier Giroud’s purple patches aside, ever since Thierry Henry left.
Coaches’ Corner: Arsene Wenger
Many thought the 64-year-old Frenchman wouldn’t be in charge of Arsenal this season as he kept everyone waiting regarding his new deal. Now that Wenger is around for the foreseeable future, the Gunners can concentrate on improving the squad and trying to add more silverware to their collection. The longest-serving manager in the PL will continue to develop the beautiful flowing soccer he has fostered over the past two decades, while adding a steely core.
PST predicts: Arsenal have strengthened in key areas and will be a force at the top of the table. With Manchester City not spending much, Liverpool and Chelsea bringing in plenty of new players and the likes of Manchester United still figuring things out, Wenger’s men see themselves as serious title contenders. For the first time in a few years optimism levels are remarkably high around the Emirates Stadium. Expect Arsenal to put definitely in the top four at the end of the season, however a title may be just beyond them this season. Top four.