Fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Arsenal will win the league this year. Mikel Arteta is five years into his project at Arsenal, but at what point will fans grow tired of trusting the process if the process does not deliver silverware? Having finished the previous two seasons agonisingly close, fans are now used to sitting at the big boys’ table. The pressure will be even greater to convert these title challenges into title wins – hope turns to entitlement, ambition turns to expectation. Third time will be the charm for Arsenal. This year the title is heading to North London.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Arsenal’s transfer window has been adequate, if not underwhelming. The signing of Riccardo Calafiori will reassure, but perhaps not excite. Fans are demanding a marquee signing up front but it looks unlikely. This, coupled with the exit of Emile Smith Rowe, has caused some discontent. But fans should not forget the quality Arsenal have in Gabriel Jesus. If he can stay injury-free, and return to the standards that saw him revolutionise Arsenal’s front line two seasons ago, his reinvention could negate the need to spend big on a striker.
What do you want from your manager this season?
If Arsenal do expect to go one step further, they will need to be perfect from the get-go. Last year’s opening games saw Arteta experimenting with the line-up, with crucial points being dropped. This can’t happen again. Only perfection is good enough. Last season Arsenal also exited both cups early, but while cup runs can be seen as a nuisance when the ultimate goal is winning the league, a strong run will be an opportunity for more rotation, and confidence in winning when it matters.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
A Gabriel Martinelli rebound is also a must for Arsenal. With a more fluid-looking back four, Martinelli could partner with any of Timber, Calafiori, Tomiyasu or Zinchenko, which could breathe new life into him and keep Arsenal’s left side unpredictable.
What is your one major concern?
Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were involved heavily in England’s Euros campaign, as well as playing almost every game for Arsenal last season. Arteta will need to consider how to manage their return with Arsenal facing Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham in their opening few games.
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