The introduction of Mesut zil has been more significant than expected, Wenger has the backing of the fans and the team is genuinely playing well. They seem to have developed depth in their midfield options: zil, Cazorla, Ramsey, Arteta, Flamini, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain are all quality players in their own right. An impressive win away to Dortmund in Europe also expresses how good a squad they have this season. So why won't they win the title? Their defence. Sagna just doesn't seem like he has enough quality to play for a top premier league side. The game has advanced so much that the modern day right-back has to have some speed about them, Alves is a good example. Although this isn't key when attacking for Arsenal as the Gunners boast copious amounts of pace, it's hard to see Sagna consistently keeping some of the wingers in the league quiet. There also seems to be a lack of depth in the Arsenal defence. Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker and Gibbs. Not a bad back four, but even still I maintain that the left and right back are weak for the club's standard. The defensive back-up that they have is Jenkinson, Koscielny, Monreal and Djourou. If you take Koscielny out then you are left with average players. They may still be developing but they are weak and don't possess the quality to replace a first-team player at Arsenal and consistently play at that standard. Another problem is their striker. Giroud is a good player, but Arsenal lack a world-class player, one they lost in Van Persie. Giroud lacks the consistent ruthlessness that Arsenal need and just doesn't seem like he will score enough goals this season. And even if Olivier does get into goal scoring form, if he suffers an injury, his replacement? Bendtner. This is worrying for Arsenal fans, backed up by their disgust when he was brought on at the weekend. Arsenal really missed out by failing to bring Higuain to the Emirates but they can put this right in January. Rumours of Benzema, Mitroglou and even a surprise move for Balotelli have been thrown around on twitter so if they can buy someone of this calibre then they may be even better contenders for the title, but until then, I can only see them finishing third.
