A look at the Arsenal squad for 2013/14 season

Forwards

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Having suffered the second season syndrome, after a much hyped about first season at the Emirates, Chamberlain knows he has his work cut out. Needs to be more aggressive, selfish and dogged for his own and Arsenal’s good. More likely to be deployed as a winger than in a central role.

Theo Walcott

Walcott ended up being Arsenal’s top scorer with 21 goals last season, after at one stage he seemed all set to leave. Apart from his incredible pace and good finishing ability, he needs to develop a more rounded game to become a leading striker in the league. Another goal scoring season expected out of him.

Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski

The German had a mixed first season, and became the most substituted player in a season in Premier League history. His haul of 16 goals and 11 assists, however is impressive enough and he needs to build on it, to fire Arsenal to glory.

Olivier Giroud

After a tough start to life in London, including many close misses, Giroud slowly became a fans favorite for his persistent attitude on the field. He finished the season with 17 goals and 12 assists, and is expected to lead the line for the coming season. Arsenal will require him to deliver in huge proportions.

Yaya Sanogo

Arsenal’s only signing this transfer window, Sanogo will most probably be used as a sub or in cup games. Will be expected to have a tough start to life in the Premier League.

Park Chu Young

Hopefully, the club will send a letter to the Korean government, asking them to take back Park so he can resume military training.

Niklas Bendtner

Er…

Atleast one striker short. After the fruitless pursuits of Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez, Arsene Wenger may have to pump in for a cheaper option. As long as it delivers goals, who that is shouldn’t really matter.

Manager and his team

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger

Into the last year of his contract, and facing a 9th season without silverware, Arsene Wenger knows it is now or never. Despite being strongly placed at the end of the season, to launch a proper title challenge, he did not make the required signings to strengthen the squad. Has however managed to get rid of a lot of deadwood. All eyes will be on him between now and the end of the season, if he can deliver silverware. His new contract too will depend on it.

Steve Bould

Praised widely by the media for Arsenal’s defensively resurgent performances at the start of the last season, he was supposedly put in a blind spot by Arsene Wenger as the defensive shape was affecting the offensive shape. However, his work was prominent again as he managed to combine Koscielny and Mertesacker into an effective partnership as Arsenal sealed 4th place.

Final Word

To be brutally honest, the squad lacks the depth to challenge for the Premier League. Unfortunately, the manager has failed to address the situation by making signings to strengthen the squad, and a last day transfer trolley dash is more than expected.

Even with the cash reserves we have, the club has been extremely miserly, and the recent spate of injuries has reduced the squad to its bare bones. I cannot see further than another top 4 scrap.

Chelsea already have an excellent squad, and have been bolstered by the arrival of Andre Schurrle. Plus, they have the Mourinho factor. Manchester City have made some strong additions as well in Stevan Jovetic, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Alvaro Negredo. Manchester United, despite losing their long serving manager, have momentum on their side.

The Champions League will be a big ask, especially with PSG and Barcelona making some major signings this summer. Real Madrid, if they manage to snap up Gareth Bale would be front runners. It would be great to have another Champions League run, but I, for now, cannot see that happening.

Our best bets would be the cup tournaments, and a Bradford and a Blackburn apart, we should be able to end our trophy drought.

Here are the predictions for the season.

Premier League - 4th

Champions League - Round of 16/Quarter Finals

FA Cup - Quarter Finals/Semi-Finals

Capital One Cup - Winners/Runners- Up