Having finally got the title monkey off our back, and with much of the competition in a state of flux, there’s plenty of optimism. Obviously the target is for Arteta to sustain the same appetite and intensity to mount a credible defence. The big questions are whether we can reproduce the same resilience at the back with Saliba on the long-term missing list, and will the introduction of Guimarães be the catalyst for the sort of midfield chemistry we’ll need to carve open opponents who plan to park the bus?
Key players/weak links On the evidence of our pre-season outings we urgently need the return of our remaining World Cup stars – Rice, Zubimendi and Saka should provide a renewed sense of purpose, both to counter any defensive fragility and to increase our goal threat. We’re all hoping for a breakthrough season for a beefed-up Max Dowman, and are anxious to discover if Tzolis is an upgrade on Trossard. We still need to sign … Our friendly outings have shown the need for alternative attacking options, such as Atlético’s Julián Alvarez, and cover for Saliba – Quansah and Konsa are linked.
But presumably any further arrivals will be dependent on some astute pruning of those who’ve failed to cut the mustard, such as Vieira and Nelson. Our cult hero is … Benny Blanco’s off-the-ball shenanigans ensure that he’s enshrined as a firm terrace favourite, but it’s the demeanour of Declan Rice that will invariably set the tone for whether or not we’re destined for more success. If we could sign two players from our past … Who wouldn’t want to add the artistry of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to any team?
First manager sacked Sergej Jakirovic. Bernard Azulay onlinegooner.com; @GoonerN5 It would be daft to not be optimistic when each year under Emery we’ve created great memories, regardless of the previous summer’s transfer merry-go-round. Top six and a cup run of any flavour would count as a good season, and it may be that our best moments are back-end weighted as we integrate some exciting new talent.
I understand that Manzambi is the best thing to come out of Switzerland since the cuckoo clock, and any 22-year-old with 187 senior appearances (Garnacho) must be all right. Perversely, the financial regulations that are holding us back should prevent too much moaning if we don’t get off to a flyer, and having a ground with only three sides might even help us make VP a fortress. In all, I’m fired up for the new season.
Key players/weak links The senior pros all need to keep drinking the Emery Kool Aid, but why wouldn’t they? Konsa remains a colossus and the purple prose around McGinn is fully deserved. If Kamara plays 40 senior games and not his usual 25 it will improve our finishing spot by two.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
