Arsenal 2013/14 Season Preview

Arsenal With the managerial changes ahead of the new campaign, there is a real sense of uncertainty as to who will hit the ground running. This could be the season for Arsenal to capitalise and re-establish themselves as a force in English football. Arsene Wenger enters the season as the longest serving manager in the Premier League, however, failure to negotiate their Champions League qualifier along with a slow start in the league, and the noose may start to tighten around his neck. Arsenal's form in the second half of the season was exceptional, although it needed to be to scrape the last Champions League berth. It is little secret that there is money to spend ahead of the new season, but Wenger has never been one to splash out on marquee signings, instead preferring an economical approach of nurturing talented youngsters through to the first team. Desperately short of options up front, Wengerhas been linked with moves for Rooney, Suarez and Higuain among others, yet is still yet to add to his options. With the exception of Manchester United, all the other top sides have completed early transfer business, and although Arsenal will approach the season with optimism and a reasonably strong squad, it is still not capable of challenging for the league. It is admirable that Arsenal are trying to run a profitable business, but the average fan would much rather have trophies than pennnies. On the pitch, much will depend on the fitness of Jack Wilshere. With a World Cup at the end of the season, Wilshere will be keen to stay fit and dominate at the heart of Arsenal's midfield. Other England prospects, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott will also need to fire with Theo still keen to convince Wenger that his future is as a centre forward. Cazorla had an exceptional first season in England and we can expect him to continue to progress. For all the palatable techinal football, it is goals that win games and as their most natural goalscorer, Olivier Giroud could be a key component in Arsenal's quest for success. An all round centre forward with an excellent work ethic, Giroud had a solid start to his Arsenal career with 17 goals in his first season and he has shown solid form during pre season. Expect him to benefit from the creativity behind him, and improve on last seasons impressive goal tally. Arsenal have lacked a real leader on the pitch for some time now, while their uninspiring signings over recent years have led to them falling further behind the top three clubs with them now facing a perennial fight for fourth spot. North London rivals Tottenham have closed the gap and will be looking to pip them to a place amongst Europe's elite, and Merseyside duo, Liverpool and Everton will also be hoping that there are some vulnerable clubs above them that can be picked off. Prediction - 5th Player to watch - Olivier Giroud