Arsenal: A look at the month ahead

Yes, a home loss to your rivals might be the last thing you want. But the fact is that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger aren’t as bad as you think they are. Chelsea might have the cash to win the Premiership, but Arsenal’s start to the season isn’t too bad (think last season). However, Arsenal need to learn to take and defend set-pieces well.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger looks on during the Barclays Premier League clash between Arsenal and Chelsea on 29 September at the Emirates Stadium, London, England.

Let this loss not take away the fact that Arsenal have done well, considering the calendar (September was a bad schedule for us). Another thing of note was that once Abou Diaby was off the pitch was when things started going wrong. Arsenal also let Fernando Torres have too much of the ball along with the trio of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard. This showed a slight lack of depth in midfield despite the presence of Francis Coquelin. I think its time we bleed him into the first-team as he is highly talented and merits more than just playing for the reserves. Also, with Emmanuel Frimpong and Jack Wilshere coming back from injuries, he won’t have enough time to break into the the first-team and might think of leaving.

Despite losing the first game of the season, Arsenal have started solidly. They now have a solid base on which to build their title challenge. October can be described as a month of consolidation. This month, we face West Ham and Aston Villa away and QPR at home. On paper, we should be thinking of nine points out of nine and we should get them. West Ham, despite making some astute signings such as Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun, aren’t strong enough to beat Arsenal. Aston Villa under Paul Lambert are yet to click and QPR might well be having the worst team chemistry in the Premier League after they signed ten players over the summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Gervinho of Arsenal celebrates scoring with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during the Barclay’s Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on 29 September in London, England.

Arsenal should therefore cash in big time as we play Man United and Tottenham in November.

Arsenal may not be the favourites for the Champions League but they could be a surprise package. They play Olympiakos at home and Schalke away. At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would be playing a second string team which will overpower the Greeks. But to travel to Germany and come back with a win is something that is quite tough. I expect Arsenal and a Schalke team with Klass-Jan Huntellar, Lewis Holtby, Jefferson Farfan and Jermaine Jones to play out a draw.

The other fixture of the month is Reading away in the Capital One Cup. Although Arsenal are expected to win away at Reading, I think the team fielded should be a mix of experience and youth for we can’t afford to take any Cup game lightly.

We also have an international break in the second week of the month. It remains to be seen, therefore, whether the squad can cope with the rigours of club and national football, while Wenger and Bould would look to discover the magic formula.

October seems to be an exciting month for Gooners, which could see Arsenal maintain their title hopes. Come on you Gunners!