2017-18 fan season preview: Arsenal
By Daniel Masters.
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
While pre-season is hardly the best way to gauge anything, I can’t say I’ve seen stacks to override my innate pessimism when it comes to Arsenal. Seeing as so many of our issues last year, in my opinion, stemmed from a lack of Santi Cazorla, I’m struggling to see us kicking off on Friday as the finished outfit. However, with the likes of Rob Holding impressing in the FA Cup final, perhaps the dream of stability isn’t completely out of reach.
How pleased have you been with your transfer business to date?
Seeing as the aim in many cases was ‘keep Alexis Sanchez at all costs’ it’s not been bad. While a part of me is still a little unsure over Alexandre Lacazette (Why has it taken this long for a big side to finally cough up the cash for him? Why doesn’t he get much of a look-in with France?), seeing what it costs to get a forward player with talent this summer it could turn out to be great business. Sead Kolasinac on a free, again, could be shrewd. Unless Arsene Wenger is truly convinced Granit Xhaka can become the all-action midfield pivot we need, getting someone who is calm and can dictate the pace is a must for me, as I doubt a year on the coast is likely to have rejuvenated Jack Wilshere to the level we need…
How is your team likely to line up?
As it shored up the team in the latter stages of last season, I would expect us to continue with three at the back for the time being. As it feels more like something that we stumbled on, rather than built by design – and it has all too often led to us playing Mohamed Elneny or Per Mertesacker at the heart of defence in pre-season – whether that continues throughout the season without signings to suit it, we will see.
Who will be your most important player?
If he’s still here, undoubtedly Sanchez. If he’s not, Lacazette may need to start doing some impressions of a former speedy French forward pretty sharpish…
Who is the unsung hero in your squad?
He can split opinion somewhat, particularly with his goal return, but I feel Danny Welbeck is a fantastic addition to any fluid forward line. Perhaps guilty of trying too often to combine when a shot would be a better option, he has strength, poise, mobility and can finish superbly when a chance arises. If we could find a way of having him successfully operate as part of Plan A, rather than Plan B, he, Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Lacazette could create an impressive quartet.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
For them to be a nightmare on the counter. With Mo Salah added to the mix, alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, you will look a little like someone has accidentally knocked Match of the Day into 1.5x speed whenever you go forward. Similarly to us, it’s at the back where the scrutiny is going to come. Will be interested to see how the Champions League impacts on your domestic form, should you see off Hoffenheim, of course.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
The simple, boring answer is Philippe Coutinho, for obvious reasons. Ruling him out, perhaps someone like Jordan Henderson, if consistently fit, would help us out where we need it. Mane would also be someone I’d certainly not turn my nose up at.
Top four (in order)?
Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham. I’m putting a lot of faith in the Wembley factor…
Relegated?
Huddersfield, Stoke and Burnley. Not been too impressed with the latter pair’s recruitment as of yet.
Surprise package?
If they keep their first XI relatively fit for the season I could see West Ham having an impressive campaign, though these days Europe is out of reach, I feel.
What is your biggest wish for the season?
Looking like competent title challengers is certainly my realistic wish. Other end of the scale, St Totteringham’s Day in March?