Arsenal
have been off to an amazing start this season, and are currently
top of the Premier League table over rivals Chelsea. There are many theories
behind the club’s new found form, and ability to dominate matches, however I
have a few of my own that may help everyone understand why this may be the year
to end the club’s infamous trophy drought.
1. The £42.5m signing of German
Superstar Mesut Özil
Ever since the transfer Deadline Day signing of Mesut Özil,
the club has had a new electrified atmosphere about them. Özil does bring an
abundant amount of qualities and skill; however his value to the club doesn’t
stop there. Having a player of Özil’s caliber on the team means many things. The
intimidation factor alone can be enough to stop teams from playing the ball
through the middle and leaving it to the wingers. The superstar status of the
player means that many fans have high expectations of the German and it seems
at times that he may not fulfill them. We must all notice the snowball effects
the Özil signing has had on the club. Just by simply having Özil in the lineup
gives Arsenal fans, as well as the players, hope that something magnificent may
happen at the club in the future.
2. The new found form
of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere
Another reason why I believe that the Gunners have a
realistic chance at silverware this season is the newly found form of Welsh
midfielder Aaron Ramsey and the consistency of Englishman Jack Wilshere. Their
newly discovered dominant play styles mean these two young British midfielders
have the ability to be game changers and rule a game. This has partly been an
effect of the Özil signing, who seemed to have triggered something in both of
these young players to increase their playing ability immensely. I’m hoping the
partnership between the two can create a bond that will keep them both at the
club for a long time. Their goal scoring ability and work rate also give
themselves good names when it comes to driving towards a title.
3. The 2-0 win at
Allianz Arena
Ever since Arsenal won against European Champions Bayern
Munich in their own stadium, the club has gained a huge boost of confidence and
drive to win games. At the time of the match, many thought Arsenal would not
stand a chance after being beaten 3-1 by the German side at home. What turned
out to happen was a 2-0 victory against Bayern and a string of victories that
followed. This string of victories carried through until the current season
where Arsenal have been upsetting many teams that were once considered stronger
than the North London side. Of course the club has had a few slip ups here and
there, but the confidence that comes from beating a powerful side, and the continued confidence
that comes from many victories means the Gunners have a chance to drive home to
a Premier League title for the first time in 10 years.
4. Arsenal’s dominating
style of play
Again something I’ve noticed a lot this season is the amount
of passing Arsenal does and their desire to keep in possession of the ball. The
squad like to hold onto the ball for long periods of time and when they lose it
they go after whoever has it to make sure that they retain possession. It’s
almost like a compulsion for the club to hold onto the ball and make sure that
they play around with the opposition. I think my favourite example of this
would be Jack Wilshere’s goal against Norwich City. The ball went from the
Half-line to the goal with a series of one touch passes to the goal without a
Norwich player able to stop them. I have noticed this many times during matches
and believe it will be essential in Arsenal’s title competitions.
5. Koscielny and
Mertesacker’s defensive partnership
These two players are like a brick wall when they play with
each other. They remind me of the days with Tony Adams and Steve Bould playing in
the back four together. They understand each other so well, it’s almost like
they are able to read each other’s mind at times. The partnership has proved to
be vital against teams with strong attacking cores, Liverpool being a fine
example. Being able to stop attackers and keeping clean sheets will be
essential if the Gunners want to have any chance of winning anything this year.
The possibility of winning a trophy for the first time in 8 ½
years does exist and is within the clubs grasp. As long as the effort,
determination and desire remains, the outcome of winning the Premier League or
FA cup or even Champions League does excite me. It will be a long journey no
doubt, and perhaps come down to the last few matches, but I truly believe that
this is Arsenal’s year to win.
@ZachAFC
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