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This is the first in a series of articles in anticipation of the English Premier League Season. We're going to look at each club and offer our early thoughts on their prospects for the season ahead, and which players may prove to be their key performers.
Let us start by reviewing the current prospects of Arsenal, who for many are the perennial under achievers in the EPL. Despite continually maintaining a position in the coveted Champions League positions, Arsenal has struggled to put together any meaningful kind of run for the main prize. Last year saw potential signs of improvement and with more luck on the injury front and an enhanced squad, could 2015/16 finally see the emergence of a potential title winning side?
Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news.
Much of the last decade at Arsenal has been about building and paying for The Emirates. It will only be when Arsenal's bitter North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur embark on a similar path with their new stadium that the true value of Arsene Wenger's work will be seen in context. To remain in the Champions League every season, with clearly a diminished budget, has been a remarkable feat. Now Arsenal is placed to really build on such foundations and add greater quality to their squad, free from the financial restrictions previously in place.
The additions of Mesut Ozil and especially Alexis Sanchez last summer have breathed new impetus into the club, and made it a more attractive proposition for new recruits. But the most significant signing this season, not just for Arsenal but potentially in the entire EPL, has already happened with Petr Cech making the move from West London. Cech has left the Champions to secure regular first team soccer, and he will bring a considerable presence to the Arsenal Defense that was too often seen as brittle when it really mattered. He is a proven winner, and his arrival could be the catalyst for a run at the EPL this season.
Be wary of placing too many expectations on Alexis Sanchez however, as he has only just completed the Copa America and will need to be given time to recover. He will be used sparingly, if at all, in the early part of the season impacting his total fantasy soccer contributions. Instead look for Theo Walcott to be given the opportunity to display his considerable goal scoring talents. I also expect Walcott to have a stand out season.
Arsenal has an abundance of riches in midfield even though rumors persist that Santi Cazorla may return to Spain. This time last season Francis Coquelin was on loan at Charlton Athletic. Now he is seen as a vital component in the midfield, something that does look potentially of concern. Likewise, the failure to sign Morgan Schneiderlin, who was a long term Arsenal target and yet has chosen to join Manchester United, will be a blow to Wenger's ambitions. But with another 6 weeks left in the transfer window, look for Arsenal to seek out further additions to the squad and to address any such remaining frailties.
An additional central defender, a holding midfielder of international pedigree, and an out-and-out striker would make Arsenal a genuine contender.
Key Players: Petr Cech, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott
Prediction: Arsenal might just be good enough to win the EPL
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