With the departure of Thierry Henry for Barcelona FC, most people would have written off Arsenal at the start of the season as a team in transition. However so far Arsenal has proven the detractors wrong by winning 3 games and drawing 1 game. Thus staying in the hunt for another league title.
The main reason behind this I believe is due to Arsene Wenger and the belief or confidence he has instilled into his young charges. For the last few seasons, it would seen that detractors always view Arsenal as being goners due to the fact that key players for the team keeping departing such as Patrick Vieria for Juventus and Henry to Barcelona. However looking carefully at the team Mr Wenger has assembled since he arrived in Arsenal, it is not hard to find a replacement ready to step up to plate.
In defence, with the additional of Sagna, it seen to make the defence more complete as compared to last season. The central pairing of Toure with Gallas or Senderos looking promising. As for wing back positions, Sagna provides competition to Diaby, Flamini, Eboue and Clichy. Only in goal, Jens Lehmann seen to be weak link, conceding two unnecessary goals so far. Thus with the additional of Polish Goalkeeper Fabianski, there is an option for Wenger to switch if necessary.
Next to the midfield. This is in my opinion the strongest element of Arsenal’s team. In centre of the park, there are Csec Fabregas and the veteran Gilberto. In the wings, there are Hleb, Rosicky and Walcott to choose from. The playmaker here is Fabregas who has risen to fill the gap left by Henry. Looking at it, it would be Fabregas to bring Arsenal forward in next few seasons especially with Wenger agreeing to a new three years deal. And with the addition of Diarra from Chelsea, it looks like a strong midfield for the Gunners.
Finally upfront. When Henry left for Barcelona, Mr Wenger did not purchase a big name to replace, but instead he opted for the Brazilian born Croatian Da Silva. It may be part of Wenger’s plan or gamble. However reviewing Wenger’s track record of developing superstar from normal player such as Henry or Nicholas Anelka, it would be hardly surprising. Furthermore, Van Persie back from injury joining Adebayor, Da Silva and Bendtner up front, Arsenal has a strong or equal strike force to the other Big Three Teams in the EPL.
So far, the performance of Arsenal is still a joy to watch as they dish out passing attacking football for all to see. Hence if Arsenal can maintain the form and avoid key injuries, then at end of may, they should be around the summit of the EPL.
What a future hold for the Gunners.