The international week rolls on and so does the lack of Arsenal news. As I result I’m continuing the trend of using this time off as a sort of reflection of the season so far. Over the past couple of days I focused on the individual performances of the Arsenal players, grading their efforts and providing some comments for where they have done well and where they can improve. 

I thought for today I’d look at the major reasons why I feel the club are where they are right now, sitting first in the league as opposed to squabbling for the final Champions League spot as was predicted by many experts before the season kicked off. So with no further adieu, I present my five reasons why Arsenal are leading the Premiership.

1. Renewed energy in the midfield

There is little doubt that last season’s middle pairing of Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto Silva were two of the best Arsenal players in 2006/2007. But there’s absolutely no doubt that since the introduction of Mathieu Flamini in the Brazilian’s holding midfield role things the energy in the midfield has gone through the roof. The young Frenchman has shown his worth to the side with a series of energetic, aggressive and skillful performances this season. As a result, the more creative players like Alexander Hleb, Tomas Rosicky and especially his partner-in-crime Fabregas have blossomed.

The original strand of thought at the end of last season was that for Arsenal to get back their dominance of the midfield of years gone by a powerful Patrick Vieira-like player was necessary. But Flamini’s incessant running and hassling coupled with the fitness and energy of the other midfielders has shown Arsenal supporters that there are more effective ways to win the midfield battle than was previously thought.

2. Improved mental and physical fitness

Along a very similar line of thinking is the incredible mental and physical fitness that has been shown by the entire team so far this season. There was a statistic that surfaced soon after the draw with Manchester United that no less than 50% of all of Arsenal’s goals up until that point had been scored in the last quarter of their matches. And while this percentage has since dropped off a little since then the point remains the same; Arsene Wenger’s side have shown time and time again that they are not only one of the fittest sides going around physically, but they have also displayed a mental toughness that many people did not expect them to show this season. It is this toughness that has stolen wins and draws when perhaps more negative results looked more likely.

3. Unpredictability in attack

In recent seasons Arsenal’s attacking play has been dominated by the presence of one man; Thierry Henry. When he was on fire this was all well and good but in the times when the Frenchman was not on song or not in the side Arsenal would often look a little out of ideas in the final third. However, some excellent recruitment by Arsene Wenger has meant that Henry’s move to Barcelona has caused few problems at all this season.

Indeed, you would be hard-pressed to find a more unique group of attacking players going around in any club in Europe. Emmanuel Adebayor has height, pace and an amazing ability to stay involved in the game for 90 minutes; Eduardo da Silva brings guile and precise finishing to the side; Robin van Persie (when fit) is still arguably the club’s most talented player, exceptionally creative with the ball at his feet and possessing an amazing shot while Nicklas Bendtner has a huge frame and excellent foot skills to go with his endless confidence.

It is a combination that looks great on paper and has equated to success on the pitch. Adebayor has undoubtedly been the stand-out of the bunch but the constant rotation of the other three throughout the season has meant that Arsenal’s attack has never once become predictable. Supporters may lambaste van Persie’s consistent injuries but the great thing is that when the Dutchman does return he’s going to be something of a surprise to whoever the opposition may be. Indeed, most sides will have been researching tapes with Adebayor and Eduardo running around together up front.

4. Predictability in defence

Just as important has been Arsene Wenger’s ability to field the same back five on more occasions than not this season. A lot of football observers undervalue the importance of the same players playing together week-in, week-out, and there is no area on the pitch where this rings true than in defence. In Bacary Sagna, Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Gael Clichy and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia Arsenal have a group of defenders that know each other’s games inside and out and it has really shown this season.

There’s little doubt that each member of the back five have done well individually - Sagna and Clichy in particular have been immense - but it is collectively that Arsenal defence has really shined. Gallas has shown himself to be a terrific leader and the communication in the backline looks to be at a very high level, something that could not be said last season. Add to that Flamini’s hassling in the midfield and it’s clear that if Arsenal can maintain their defensive line-up for the best part of the rest of the campaign then they will remain a very difficult side to break down.

5. Wenger’s faith in his players

Before the start of the season when many Arsenal supporters were fearing the impact of Henry’s exit and calling for big-name signings left, right and centre Arsene Wenger had the strength of mind to ignore the hype and put faith in the core components of his young but talented squad. While Liverpool splashed millions on Fernando Torres and Manchester United brought in Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani and Carlos Tevez, Wenger stuck with his side and complimented it with two seemingly odd signings in Sagna and Eduardo.

It’s wonderful to see that he has been rewarded with the faith he has shown. Rather than replacing the areas of the side that looked a little undercooked the manager put trust in his young players to step up. They have done it in some style. Virtually every member of the first-team from last season has improved this time around with Flamini and Adebayor the exceptional examples. It’s still great to know that in a football world increasingly affected by money, a lack of loyalty and the need for quick-fix solutions, Wenger is being rewarded for showing faith in his players and the Arsenal Football Club are being rewarded for showing faith in the manager’s methods.

The Arsenal Opus competition is coming…

So there you have it. I have to say I really enjoyed writing this post and I’ve enjoyed taking some time out this week to reflect on the season so far. Before things kick off again with the Premiership clash against Blackburn I’d encourage all supporters of the club to really have a think about just how much this side has achieved so far this season. Silverware or no silverware I’m absolutely thrilled with the performance of Wenger’s side and exceptionally proud to call Arsenal my club.

Just before I go I want to let everybody know that there will be a competition starting very shortly on the blog where readers will have a chance to win a copy of the Arsenal Opus. If you don’t know what the Opus is then stay tuned for more and if you know all about how great it is then be sure to check back on the blog soon to see how you can enter. To keep in touch with the blog make sure you subscribe to my daily posts. Cheers.

What do you think?

Have your say on the five reasons why Arsenal are leading the Premiership by leaving a comment.

In yesterday’s post I ran through Part 1 of the Arsenal mid-term report card, focusing on the performances of the Arsenal defenders and midfielders so far this season. Today the midfielders and forwards go under the microscope as I wrap up Part 2 of the report. Enjoy.

Midfielders

Mathieu Flamini
In my opinion, the standout performer in the Arsenal team this season. Has put in the hard work to go from third or four-choice at the end of last season to becoming arguably the most important member of the midfield. Flamini’s energy and workrate has been phenomenal, his partnership with Fabregas vital, and he has not played poorly once thus far. Irreplaceable. (A+)

Cesc Fabregas
The little Spaniard’s form has dipped a little of late but his contribution in the first third of the season has been vital. When on song Fabregas has regularly been a match-winner, scoring goals at crucial times. His fitness, ball control and excellent passing has allowed him to dictate the play on many occasions. (A)

Alexander Hleb
Like Fabregas, has been a bit quiet lately, but Hleb’s sharp control and creativity has at times been unstoppable. Ended last season under pressure and performing poorly but has improved out of sight, becoming a dangerous weapon for Arsenal for the first time in his career. (A-)

Tomas Rosicky
Has looked great at times, average at others and gets injured a little too often. Does not have the ability to run the show like Fabregas or Flamini but when he is absent it often shows. There is certainly room for improvement though, Rosicky does not score enough important goals for a man with such an excellent shot. (B)

Abou Diaby
A bit up and down. When playing well he can dribble past anyone but his reluctance to use his left foot is frustrating. Wenger seems determined to continue using Diaby on the left and in all honesty he is doing well, establishing himself as an important first-team member. (B)

Emmanuel Eboue
Cops a lot of flak from a lot of supporters but on the whole this season Eboue has done OK. The histronics he displays are exceptionally frustrating for a lot of Arsenal fans but the Ivorian has been energetic and exciting as a right-winger. Unfortunately lacks polish when in the final third, resulting in an unacceptable tally of zero goals this season. (C+)

Gilberto Silva
Consistently seems off the pace, but this may be more down to a lack of first-team football than a lack of ability. If injury presents Gilberto with the chance to play some consistent football I wouldn’t bet against him doing well, but it seems his plodding sort of style has little place in an Arsenal midfield that relies heavily on energy and movement. (C-)

Denilson
In my eyes, the biggest disappointment of the season so far. Although Denilson has time on his side he is one of the few players who seems to have taken a step backwards this campaign. His control and distribution has been below par but more importantly he does not appear to think quickly enough in possession. Will improve in time, but this season has not gone how I imagine Wenger thought it might have for the Brazilian. (C-)

Lassana Diarra
A decent player for Arsenal but his character was badly shown up during the move to Portsmouth. (D)

Looking forward…
The first-choice midfield is unquestioned; Flamini and Fabregas in the middle, flanked by Rosicky and Hleb. The rise of Flamini has been the highlight of the season in my eyes and his partnership with Fabregas has been the major factor in Arsenal’s title charge. The only worry is that there seems to be a little divide forming between the first-team and reserves, with Eboue and Diaby lacking consistency and Gilberto and Denilson looking a little off the pace.

Forwards

Emmanuel Adebayor
Like most of the Arsenal first team, has improved out of sight this season. Adebayor’s energy and enthusiasm has always been present but the Togolese striker has found his finishing boots to devastating effect. There are not many strikers going around who get so involved in a football match and full credit has to go to Adebayor for the impact he is having in Henry’s absence this season. (A)

Eduardo da Silva
Understandably took a little while to get going as an Arsenal player, but in recent times has looked sharp. Has consistently looked dangerous when as one of front pair and displayed his precise finishing on a regular basis. Has had to step up in van Persie’s absence and done so admirably. (B+)

Nicklas Bendtner
Was a valuable substitute early, his intimidating presence often paving the way for others to score late goals. Has great confidence in his ability and will continue to have an impact as the season rolls on. (B)

Robin van Persie
Great when he’s been fit, which unfortunately has been a rare occurrence. Indeed, his consistent injuries have been one of the most diappointing aspects of this season for Arsenal fans. When he plays van Persie adds a certain quality to the attack that no other striker does. Fortunately there are enough big games still remaining in the season for the Dutchman to make more of a mark. (B)

Theo Walcott
His development has gone a little slower than many people expected this season and often looks a little lost out on the pitch. However he has still made progress, scoring his first goal for the club and doing well on a number of occasions as an impact substitute. Still looks an exciting prospect, despite what the media say. (C+)

Looking forward…
Most fans would suggest that when van Persie returns from injury he should slot straight back into the team, but I’m not so sure. Eduardo has done superbly alongside the exceptional Adebayor and there is nothing that suggests the Croatian-Togo front pairing does not have the quality to lead Arsenal to silverware this season. In my opinion Bendtner is the best fourth-choice striker going around and Walcott needs to be cut some slack, he’s still only 19 after all.

Well, that’s the end of that. I’m sure a couple of those ratings will cause a little bit of controversy and as with yesterday’s post I’d love to hear what you think.

Have your say on the midfielders and forwards by leaving a comment.

Another international week is upon us and that means little to no Arsenal news. As such, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take some time and reflect on the first half of the season. Today’s post will look at the goalkeepers and defenders in the Arsenal squad and their overall contribution to the club’s excellent performances thus far.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Almunia
Has taken the chance given to him by Lehmann’s early-season errors with open arms. Looks calm, mentally strong and has made very few errors. A great season so far from a personal perspective. (A-)

Jens Lehmann
The German’s season is likely to be remembered for two early gaffes against Fulham and Blackburn. Did not display the right attitude after being displaced by Almunia, bickering and complaining to anyone and everyone. Has shown admirable courage to remain with the club but is unlikely to feature much more this season. (D+)

Lukasz Fabianski
Has only played in the Carling Cup games, but nevertheless shown a lot of promise. Looks strong in the air and a confident shot-stopper. Will only improve with experience. (B)

Looking forward…
Almunia is the undisputed number one in my eyes and should remain in that position for the remainder of the season. With Fabianski showing good signs in the Carling Cup and Lehmann arguably the best number two in the Premiership there’s no real reason why Arsene Wenger needs to worry about reinforcing this position in the off-season, given the German remains with the club.

Defenders

Gael Clichy
In a word, exhilarating. The French left-back has built on a solid campaign last time around and become one of the most important players in the squad. Full of energy, loves to get forward and crucially has improved defensively. Has rightly been rewarded with a spot in the French national team and has been one of the players of the season. (A)

Bacary Sagna
Arguably the best buy in the Premiership this season. Slotted into right back like he’d been there for years and has impressed with his speed, tackling and all-round quality on the ball. Has been less spectacular than opposite full-back Clichy but equally as effective. (A-)

William Gallas
Since being named captain Gallas has lifted his game. Has been an intimidating presence at the back and has rarely put a foot wrong. The Frenchman has also contributed with big goals in crucial matches and already looks a more influential captain than Thierry Henry ever was. (A-)

Kolo Toure
Has maintained the consistent standard that he has set in previous seasons. Toure has been a little overshadowed by the emergence of Gallas’ strong performances but like his defensive partner, rarely makes mistakes. The only criticism that could be made is that he occasionally lets his emotions get the better of him in the heat of battle. (B+)

Alexandre Song
Suprisingly effective during the Carling Cup run as a central-defender. Remains composed with the ball at his feet and has improved since returning from his loan spell with Charlton to become a useful squad player. (B)

Justin Hoyte
Has not had many chances this season, but has done reasonably well primarily at right-back. Still lacks the confidence and pace to bomb forward like Clichy or Sagna but has improved since last season. (B-)

Philippe Senderos
Woeful early on, but has lifted in recent weeks. Senderos’ distribution and lack of pace are still his biggest weaknesses but the last few games have shown he may finally be moving in the right direction. (C+)

Armand Traore
A little disappointing so far. Still exceptionally young but has not improved on his promising showings in last season’s Carling Cup. Undoubtedly possesses the attributes to become a world-class left-back but still looks undercooked. (C+)

Johan Djourou
Has only played 45 minutes thus far and looked a little shabby after returning from his loan spell at Birmingham. In my opinion is still a better overall player than Senderos but looks unlikely to get another decent chance this season. (N/A)

Looking forward…
Once Toure returns from international duty he should regain his place alongside Gallas in the centre of the defence. If Clichy and Sagna continue their excellent form and the central pair pick up where they left of then the defence have the quality to take Arsenal to the title.

So there you have it. Tomorrow’s post will focus on the midfielders and forwards but in the meantime, I encourage you to let me know what you think.

Have your say on the goalkeepers and defenders ratings by leaving a comment.

The Arsenal Squad (Central Midfield)

Midfield is the position that will cause most debate amongst Arsenal supporters. On one hand the side has an abundance of talented central midfielders in Gilberto Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini and Denilson but on the other hand the side lacks genuine width with Tomas Rosicky, Emmanuel Eboue, Theo Walcott and Alexander Hleb the players likely to occupy the wings. It is a problem that has been spoken about numerous times on the blog but one that just won’t go away - Arsenal need another wide player if they want to challenge for the Premier League title this season. At this stage manager Arsene Wenger seems reluctant, but in my mind it is a necessity.

Granted that the side plays with two central midfielders then once Brazilian captain Gilberto returns from his extended pre-season break he should form a settled partnership with Spanish schemer Fabregas. I say ’should’ because a couple of events have occurred recently that suggest this may not be the case. Firstly, William Gallas being named captain may suggest that Gilberto’s responsibilities in the team may be faded out and the likes of Diaby or Flamini will be playing a much more prominent role than expected. That may also explain Flamini’s decision to stay with Arsenal rather than pursuing opportunities with other clubs this season. Secondly, Johan Djourou has been loaned out to Birmingham until January, suggesting that Gilberto may be used as defensive cover this season. This is backed up by persistent rumours linking the club with Chelsea’s Lassana Diarra.

Regardless of Gilberto’s role this season, the fact is that he will be out until September and his absence will give an opportunity to a number of other midfielders to prove their value to the club. I personally think it will be Diaby who takes up the position next to Fabregas due to his more intimidating presence and some impressive performances during last season and in pre-season. There is a general buzz that Diaby is set for a big season with Arsenal and I feel this will be the case.

For matches where an extra midfielder is required or Fabregas is unavailable then Flamini or young Brazilian Denilson can be brought in. I feel that Flamini’s contribution is often underestimated by Arsenal supporters and I am personally delighted that he has stayed on with the club. He offers a good second option in midfield and has an excellent understanding about how the team functions. Denilson looks an exciting prospect, but I just feel that this season will be a quiet one for him. He is likely to star in the Carling Cup but I am not expecting him to make much impact on the starting team for big Premiership or Champions League matches.

The Arsenal Squad (Wide Midfield)

Out wide is where things get interesting for Arsenal. Although Hleb played most of last season on the right wing, all indications suggest he will be challenging Tomas Rosicky for a place on the left or Eduardo da Silva, Emmanuel Adebayor and Niklas Bendtner for a place up front behind Robin van Persie. The structure of the current Arsenal midfield means that whoever occupies the left side of midfield will look to cut in towards the penalty area to attack while Gael Clichy bombs forward to provide the width. It is a plan that I think will work - barring any injuries to Clichy - and will allow the likes of Rosicky and Hleb to play more centrally, something which suits both players. I also think it will allow Rosicky and Hleb to score more goals, something that was desperately lacking from their game last season.

Things will be slightly different on the right. Converted right-back Eboue will start the season as first-choice with young Englishman Theo Walcott providing competition for the position. There has been a lot of talk about whether Eboue is the answer to Arsenal’s lack of width and his exhilarating pre-season performances have given every indication that he might be. Unlike the role of the left-sided midfielders, Eboue and Walcott’s job will be to get outside the opposition left-back and provide good service into the area for the likes of van Persie and Adebayor. Eboue has shown in the past that he is capable of delivering a good ball into the area and it will be interesting to see how many assists he can provide from the right. Van Persie recently suggested that this will be a big year for Walcott but I think he is still a little bit too young to have the impact that everyone expects and I think it will be another season of transition for him. As such, I would still like another winger to join the club and provide back-up for the current wide players before the transfer window closes on August 31.

The Arsenal Squad (Attack)

There is little doubt that Arsenal’s strength in attack going into the new-season is brilliant. In the past two or three seasons Arsenal have relied so heavily on the performances of Thierry Henry that the players around him often suffered if the Frenchman had a poor game. With the options Arsenal now have up front I just cannot see that type of thing happening again. Robin van Persie will go into the season as first-choice striker and the likes of Adebayor, Eduardo, Hleb and Bendtner will be competing for the second attacking position. Van Persie had a wonderful 2006/07 season, scoring 11 Premiership goals before a broken foot against Manchester United ended his season. He has looked as sharp as anyone since his return and looks set to score over 20 goals this season. If he can do so, then Arsenal have every chance of challenging for the title.

Although he is doubtful for the opening game against Fulham I see Adebayor as van Persie’s first-choice strike partner. The Togolese forward has polarised opinions during his time at Arsenal but I have a feeling that his third season with the club is going to be a big one. He has the technical ability and fitness to lead the line on his own if van Persie becomes unavailable and just needs to improve his finishing to become a truly world-class player. He has shown his height is a threat from set-pieces and his ability to hold up the ball is second-to-none in the Arsenal squad. Eduardo or Hleb will provide fierce competition for Adebayor in games where Wenger favours a smaller, sharper option in and around the penalty area. Eduardo comes with a reputation as a master finisher from his time in Croatia and Hleb has looked revitalised in a central role during pre-season. I don’t think Wenger will want to rush Eduardo into the side too quickly this season and with Adebayor carrying a minor injury into the season I actually believe it will be Hleb who starts as support for van Persie in the opening fixture against Fulham.

And then there is Nicklas Bendtner. I have to say that of all the young players in the squad Bentdner looks perhaps the most promising. Wenger has been quick to play down the role that Bendtner may have this season - calling him a ‘raw’ prospect - but I just can’t help but think that Bendter will become more and more important as the season progresses. He is like nothing that Arsenal has ever possessed in a striker, tall and strong and bursting with such confidence that he could step in against a side like Chelsea and get a goal. I am predicting big things from Bendtner, although they may only come in the second half of the season.

Summary & Predictions

If I had to use a one word to describe how I feel about the current Arsenal side going into the new season it would be ‘excited’. I am confident that despite the spendings of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool that Arsenal are going to challenge higher up on the ladder in 2007/2008. I see the keys to the clubs success being the partnership between new captain William Gallas and Kolo Toure in central defence, the width that Gael Clichy will provide on the left, and the variety of attackers the team possesses in support of the irreplaceable Robin van Persie.

Although Manchester United won the Premiership last season and have strengthened significantly, I feel that Chelsea will pose the biggest threat to Arsenal winning the league. Chelsea underperformed badly last season and if manager Jose Mourinho returns to a 4-3-3 with new signing Florent Malouda on the left then they will improve out of sight. I felt that Manchester United played at their absolute peak last season and the likes of Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo will struggle to have such phenomenal seasons second time around. As for Liverpool, I see Fernando Torres as an outstanding signing but there is just something about the rest of their squad that doesn’t worry me too much. Liverpool always drop points against smaller sides and there is nothing about their current side that suggests to me that they won’t do the same.

So when it’s all said and done I see Chelsea as champions next season with Arsenal and Manchester United running them very close behind. Liverpool will most likely finish fourth but will face tough competition from the likes of Tottenham, West Ham, Newcastle and even Sven Goran Eriksson’s new-look Manchester City team. I’m tipping Robin van Persie to be Arsenal’s Player of the Season and Alexander Hleb to surprise a lot of people and grab around 10 Premiership goals. I don’t think the side is ready to challenge for the Champions League at this stage and I think making the Quarter Finals could be classed as a success. All that’s left to say is - bring on the new season!

What do you think?

Have your say on the new season by leaving a comment.

Read Part One of the Arsenal 2007/2008 Season Preview here.

Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League update

Just a quick word to say thanks to everyone who has joined the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League so far. There were some problems a couple of days ago but they have since been fixed and there are already over 30 readers who have joined the league. I still encourage any other readers of the blog who want to get involved to join the league - just follow the link I’ve included below. I thought it would also be a fun idea to do a weekly update on the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League to keep tabs on who is dominating (hopefully me) and who is struggling (probably me). If I get around to it I can probably provide a prize for the winner at the end of the Premiership season, but I’ll see how it goes.

To join the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League click here.

Out with the old, in with the new

It is no secret that off the field, Arsenal’s build-up to the 2007/2008 season has been far from perfect. There was the loss of a certain Arsenal legend, the resignation/sacking of one of its most influential board members as well as the constant speculation that the club was in crisis thanks to a media barrage from just about every newspaper from an English-speaking country. But I am a realistic supporter and an optimist at heart, so instead of harping on the problems the club may have at this point in time, I would much rather focus on what the club does have at its disposal to achieve some success this season.

The club has lost two truly great players of the modern era in Thierry Henry and Fredrik Ljungberg, as well as Jose Antonio Reyes, Julio Baptista and Jeremie Aliadiere, but it has also signed the likes of Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva, French defender Bacary Sagna and Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to compliment a young and talented first team squad. There was a little bit of an outcry from a select group of Arsenal supporters about the supposed lack of big names being brought in, but the fact is that manager Arsene Wenger has never had much success with bringing in big name players and has proved to be far more adept at purchasing unknown gems and integrating them into his preferred style of play.

The new players have already shown signs in pre-season that they are more than up to the task. Fabianski looks set to challenge Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, and will no doubt be given chances in the Carling Cup if not the Premiership. Sagna has slotted neatly into the starting team on the right side of defence and looks set to maintain that position throughout the course of the season. Eduardo has also fit in well with various attacking partners and looks an exciting prospect up front. If his scoring record in Croatia is anything to go by then once settled, he is likely to be a reliable source of goals for the club - especially in games where Arsenal’s champagne football is not reaping the rewards.

The Arsenal Squad (Goalkeepers & Defence)

As for the rest of the squad, they are a year older and wiser and should prosper with the more individualistic senior players like Henry and Ljungberg now plying their trade away from Emirates Stadium. William Gallas and Kolo Toure struggled at times last season - mainly due to persistent injuries to the Frenchman - but the signs are there that the two are beginning to form the defensive partnership that will be crucial to the club’s success in the new season. Both players are athletic and composed on the ball and natural leaders on the pitch. If the pair can click then the Arsenal defence will be a much tougher nut to crack than it has been for the past three seasons. In the case of any injury Swiss duo Phillipe Senderos and Johan Djourou will be first-choice cover. Senderos has looked sharper than I have ever seen him in pre-season and Djourou remains an outstanding prospect (Update: Djourou has signed to Birmingham on loan until January 2008). Both players will need guidance on the pitch from their more experienced teammates but can be relied upon to do the job when called upon.

The aforementioned Sagna will slot in on the right side of defence with Justin Hoyte and Emmanuel Eboue providing cover whilst the exciting Gael Clichy is a certain starter on the left. I have previously mentioned the importance of Clichy’s role to this side, but it is worth reemphasising. With a lack of width on the left wing the onus will be on the Frenchman to use his remarkable engine to motor up and down the left flank in a manner similar to ex-Real Madrid wing-back Roberto Carlos. Clichy has looked outstanding in pre-season and all the signs are there that this could be a very special year for a vastly underrated player. If the unthinkable does occur and Clichy takes a knock then fellow Frenchman Armand Traore will slot into his place. The 17-year-old is a raw prospect; strong, lighting quick and bursting with enthusiasm, and like Senderos and Djourou I have no doubt that he is a reliable enough defender to cover for Clichy when required.

What do you think?

Have your say on Part One of the Arsenal Season Preview by leaving a comment.

Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League update

Just a quick word to say thanks to everyone who has joined the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League so far. There were some problems a couple of days ago but they have since been fixed and there are 20 readers who have joined the league. I still encourage any other readers of the blog who want to get involved to join the league - just follow the link I’ve included below. I thought it would also be a fun idea to do a weekly update on the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League to keep tabs on who is dominating (hopefully me) and who is struggling (probably me). If I get around to it I can probably provide a prize for the winner at the end of the Premiership season, but I’ll see how it goes.

To join the Arsenal FC Blog Fantasy Premier League click here.