It goes without saying that last season, Arsenal finished considerably lower than expected for a club rich in talent, in history and fund-wise. After a season full of lacklustre performances and managerial blame, it was clear to see that many improvements were needed in order to mirror the successes of previous times. The Gunners have so far moderately invested, bringing in Alexander Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac, indicating the desire for change by both Arsene Wenger and the board, but further transfers are needed to reform the currently broken side. But it is not just the lack of business holding the club back from regaining there position as one of the best sides in England.

The recent success of Chelsea under manager Antonio Conte has triggered many sides into adjusting their sides into the 3-4-3 formation, with two wing backs, Arsenal included. It is common knowledge that Arsenal are a possession-based, passive side, happy to keep hold of the ball and then strike at speed when the moment arises. Wegner has therefore adjusted this to a 3-5-2, with a centre attacking midfielder whilst retaining wing backs. The new formation simply does not suit the Arsenal style of play, the formation is feeding the players mixed messages, promoting both constant attacking football as well as sideways passing. The trend of 3 of the back is holding Arsenal back, especially when the side is not equipped with the correct players for this formation generally.

So far this season, Arsenal have been defensively woeful. They lack leadership, willpower and generally… centre backs. In their most recent encounter with Stoke City, which resulted in a 1-0 loss courtesy of a Jese Rodriguez goal, Arsenal lined up with 2 full backs in centre back, whilst more suitable candidates were overlooked (Per Mertesacker). If Wenger wants this system to succeed, he will certainly need to bring in at least one proven centre back, even if this means complying with the extortionate prices of this transfer window. Having Hector Bellerin in centre back is simply a waste of his pace, energy and attacking threat, as well as partnering him up with left back Nacho Monreal at the heart of the defence, giving the defence no true height and familiarity. A signing like Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli, Loic Perrin of Saint Etienne or Nana Asare of Club Brugge, will help the defence thrive when accompanied by Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi at the back, providing more security and defensive-mindedness.

The midfield of Arsenal is the most important and pivotal part of the side when playing fluid passing football. At the heart of the midfield currently sit Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka, two strong central midfielders who when gelled, could form a key partnership and be crucial if The Gunners wish to gain any success this season. However, sitting in front of this pair is one of the most inconsistent players to have ever graced The Emirates playing field, Mesut Ozil. On his day, the German can carve a chance out of nothing and send a striker racing through, sadly for Arsenal fans, these days have disappeared at a shocking rate. Defensively, Ozil is lazy and struts back into position, willing to allow opposition to outnumber his fellow midfielders. Steven Gerrard recently highlighted “He offers his teammates nothing defensively and away from home he’s a liability.” Wenger needs to bring back the positive mentality of Ozil, the player that was once mesmerising in possession, or else the Frenchman may have to look to the transfer market for alternatives.

Attack-wise, Arsenal are pretty well-equipped and certainly have enough ability to tear numerous defences apart. The partnership of £52.7 million pound signing Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez, will be a very hard attack to defend against, the power of the former Lyon man complimented by the explosive speed of Sanchez will give defenders a lot to think about over 90 minutes. The key however, for this success, is to keep hold of Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean essentially carried Arsenal to 5th last season, scoring 24 goals in the league, 14 more goals than second place (Theo Walcott). If Arsene Wenger can persuade Sanchez that the club has more ambition and force this season then he may stay; but understandably the player supposedly wanting out, and is capable of playing week-in, week-out for a big European club like Real Madrid or Juventus, with Champions League football. If Alexis Sanchez was to leave, Wenger would be left with Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott. All fully capable of playing upfront, however not the calibre of striker that can play a pivotal role in league success.

Wenger has written history for the Gunners, and despite his recent failures, he needs the to recoup the backing of the fan base and the board. It is common knowledge that the Frenchman isn’t one to spend money, however the club needs a surge of players in order to bring the squad up to standard with more likely candidates for Premier League success this season. When you compare Nacho Monreal to Cesar Azplicueta, Mesut Ozil to Paul Pogba, Danny Welbeck to Sergio Aguero, it shows how desperately Arsenal need investment. Without the signings of a centre back, another attacking minded midfielder and a striker then I can only see Arsenal getting 5th at best, with Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Everton seeming better equipped for a Champions League place; only time will tell.

Thank you for reading. Any feedback is very much appreciated, any responses to the piece are welcome as well. If you’d like further notifications of when new blogs are posted then follow my page or my Twitter: @CParkerTurner.

Thanks again,

Charlie