ARSENAL4th in English league
Champions League pedigree: Finalists 2006
THE LOW DOWN:
The reverberations following Thierry Henry's £16million departure to Barcelona during the summer are only just beginning to subside around Arsene Wenger's squad, with the players and the manager Henry left behind appreciating the reality that they have a massive point to prove.
The Frenchman's brilliance carried Arsenal through many a tight game during his eight glorious years in north London, but it now falls to the likes of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas to fill the Frenchman's considerable shoes. However, Wenger hopes his young Gunners team find it easier to perform when all the eyes are not just focused on one brilliant individual.
TECHNICAL AREA:
Wenger has done a remarkable job in turning Arsenal into consistent Champions League contenders, but he has yet to take the final step he craves by winning the one trophy that has eluded him in his stunning decade of achievement as Arsenal boss.
A 4-4-2 man, Wenger's gospel promotes an open flowing style that rarely fails to entertain. He relies on his team producing brilliance to break down opponents rather than taking a hard-working route and when plan A works, Arsenal are the best team in Europe to watch. However, they need to develop a plan B to overcome teams who shut up shop at the Emirates Stadium.
WOW FACTOR:
Wenger's willingness to offload Henry may have been partly due to the faith he has in Dutch striker Robin van Persie. Long compared to compatriot and Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, this brilliantly gifted forward struggled with injuries last season, but his combination of silky flair and finishing ability should come to the fore this season.
Wenger will also look to the sublime Fabregas to dictate play and even though he is a novice in terms of years, the 20-year-old Spaniard is experienced enough on the field to confirm himself as one of Europe's finest midfield players in the months ahead.
THE BIG BUY:
Arsenal were keen to make a signing who did not look like a direct replacement for Henry and in capturing Brazilian-born Croatian international Eduardo, they struck the perfect balance. He may have cost around £9.5m, but will face a battle to oust Emmanuel Adebayor and Van Persie from their starting berths and the lower expectations around him will help him settle.
The arrival of French international full-back Bacary Sagna may also be a crucial to Arsenal's hopes as this blonde haired performer is more reliable that the often hot-headed Emmanuel Eboue.
THE TENDER SPOT:
Arsenal's determination to carve out the perfect goal is an infuriating and unprofessional flaw in their make-up that they seem reluctant to kick. The Gunners often spurn the chance to shoot in favour of another pass and against Europe's best, they will need to be more clinical.
Wenger has also failed to find a solution to his side's ongoing difficulties defending set-pieces. Keeping captain William Gallas fully fit would help in that respect, but opponents know they have a soft centre when they drop corners or free-kicks into the heart of Arsenal's penalty area.
HOT GOSSIP:
Speculation over Wenger's long-term future at Arsenal has been rife all summer and it all stems from the club's decision to sack his friend and colleague, David Dein, from his influential role as vice-Chairman back in March.
Henry's departure was a major blow for Gunners fans, but all concerned appreciate the damage Wenger's departure would cause and with or without an extended contract, his plans will depend on the form of his team on the field as well as the ongoing rumours of a take over at boardroom level. Off-field issues may well effect the team at some point this season.
IDEAL LINE-UP:
Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, Hleb, Van Persie, Adebayor
THE VERDICT:
Wenger rejects the claim that that this is a transitional year after Henry's exit, but it would be too much for this youthful team to end Arsenal's wait for Champions League glory this time around. Getting into the last eight would be a decent achievement.
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