Arsenal Season Preview - Gunners well placed for strong start
It’s been a long awaited summer of change for Arsenal, not only in the arrival of new manager Unai Emery - who has huge shoes to fill regardless of the state in which Arsene Wenger left the club and the squad. The transfer strategy has changed, with the club acting faster and more logically than in recent seasons, so there is some cause for optimism among the fans, as long as the expectations are realistic.
One to Watch - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Given how far off the pace the side were last season, the start that Aubameyang made to his Arsenal career was somewhat overlooked. After arriving in January the lightning quick Gabonese striker scored ten goals and registered four assists in 13 league appearances and for a side that will always create chances, he should score a hatful.
Best Signing - Lucas Torreira
Much needed additions at the back should bolster Arsenal’s defensive resolve, not to mention a new keeper in Bernd Leno, but it’s stopping opponents from getting that far that has been a long-standing problem. It’s one they have tried to address this summer with the signing of Torreira, and for a relatively modest fee in this market, and that extra tenacity in midfield should at least allow the Gunners to compete for the top four again.
The wait is over… it's #TimeForTorreira 👍
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 10, 2018
Welcome to Arsenal, @LTorreira34 🔴 pic.twitter.com/wnUDYuDMeS
Area of Weakness
Despite signing the imposing Sokratis during the summer, Laurent Koscielny’s ongoing injury concerns mean Arsenal are still light at the back. Shkodran Mustafi shouldn’t be written off just yet despite some questionable performances in the red shirt to say the least, but if the German can’t improve his consistency, Emery is short of top level centre-backs.
Prediction / Best Bet
Given that they have had considerably more of their first team available for pre-season, Arsenal are in a good position to make a fast start to the campaign. They face Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two games, which may seem unfavourable but may actually play in Emery’s favour having had more time with his best players this summer. Betway are offering a price on club’s top be on the top four at Christmas and while Arsenal may not stay there come the end of the season, odds of 2.38 represent decent value to me.
