Has Unai Emery made Arsenal title challengers?

Arsenal announce Unai Emery as new head coach
Arsenal announce Unai Emery as new head coach

But the real question is, are Arsenal title contenders? With the dazzling football being played, and with the crowd united once again, the club are missing the last piece of the puzzle. With big signings made in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang & Alexandre Lacazette, they have two world class finishers that can fire them to potential champions.

Throughout the past seasons, the Gunners have lacked a real tough tackler in defensive midfield. However, this season it looks like they have found one in Lucas Torreira. The North London club do have creative players, such as Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey & Henrikh Mkhitaryan, that match their rivals midfield.

Lacazette & Co celebrate
Lacazette & Co celebrate
winning
goal

The attack is there, but Arsenal lack the solidarity of defenders compared to their rivals. Complaints were made towards Arsene Wenger about not having world class defenders who can help them win a league tittle.

Arsenal did have a potential world class centre back in Laurent Koscienly, but the Frenchman has been hampered with injuries. Their rivals all carry better defenders, with Manchester City having Vincent Kompany, Tottenhams Toby Alderweireld & Liverpool recently signing Virgil Van Dijk, who all out class Arsenal defense.

In that case, Arsenal defense remains a huge issue, which is the only thing that are holding them back from winning the league.You could see this against Leicester where they were sorely tested in the first half.

Emery lacks the quality of defenders where they could be exposed against Liverpool, who visit the Emirates on Saturday. Liverpool, who are unbeaten in the league sit second level on points with Manchester City.

Arsenal record against the top 6 has been dreadful, showing that they aren't ready to challenge for the tittle. If Arsenal want to improve from last season, they must avoid losses, and win more against their tittle rivals. With Liverpool visit this weekend, it will be a good test of how far this team has come under Emery, and how far they still have to go.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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