Arsenal: Five reasons why the Gunners are now genuine title contenders

Even the rivals can testify that there is something different about Arsenal this new campaign. Predictably, majority would point to the Gunners’ decision to stick to Arsene Wenger despite the disheartening trophy-less run that has gone for 8 years now.

And if you are the logical football fan, you can assert it has played its own part.

Mesut Ozil

When the club audaciously announced the signing of Mesut Ozil, it added to what Arsenal already had installed for the new season.

Perhaps, if Wenger had failed to land a world-class player in the form of Ozil, the squad could still compete for honors, with the exception of the UEFA Champions league and English Premier League.

The German international changes the way other teams decide to play Arsenal. His addition has certainly boosted the Gunners’ attacking threat, contained possession, and produced scintillating brilliance on his own when necessary.

His acquisition has also relieved the creativity burden laid on diminutive Spaniard Santi Cazorla. Last season, the former Malaga star had a busy campaign – he was basically the orchestrator of Arsenal’s attacking chances – and at a point, became rather jaded.

With both in the pack they could change that game play and fatigue. They both would share that creativity burden, and with both possessing mouth-watering abilities, it’s intriguing to envisage that bond they would create.

Man of the moment: Aaron Ramsey

I could dig up my twitter feeds of abhorrent comments directed to Ramsey during his disappointing spell last season. Unknown to the fans, that word ‘disappointing’ for the Welsh man last year was actually supposed to be ‘recuperating ‘.

The midfielder has certainly upped his game. And this could become an advantage for Arsenal’s title pursuits.

Defence

The bond between Mertesacker and Koscielny should be regarded as one of the strongest in the league. Koscielny has certainly improved from that obscene error in the Carling Cup final (Now Capital One Cup).

Gibbs and Bacary Sagna have continued to produce consistent performances, despite quality replacement for their positions in the form of Nancho Monreal and Carl Jenkinson respectively. Another side note is their ability to switch quickly from defense to attack to support upfront.

Striking options

Giroud has been trusted to lead Arsenal to stardom in the attack, and the former Montpellier forward hasn’t failed to deliver. Albeit, there has been panic amongst the faithful on what next if Giroud ends up getting a pro-long injury before the January transfers, but the availability of Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott could solve that headache.

There’s no denying that both are good finishers, even a bit better than the French forward. Although, trusting Podolski or Theo upfront is bound to upset tactical changes, still, they are both competent and can be relied on for the top 9 duties.

Flamini’s presence as a holding midfielder

The re-signing of the prodigal son Flamini was at first unnecessary, but now important. His patterns to command and direct other team-mates on the pitch, and display his brutal nature are fascinating.

Even better, Arsenal spent no penny to lure him back, but his work-rate on the pitch has made that free bargain worthwhile.

Written by Femi Hilekaan

Follow Femi on Twitter @femi4arsenal

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