Last season left plenty of question marks on the credibility of the Arsenal players, and some fans might say also on Arsène Wenger. They were the favourites for the title last year but it all went haywire towards the business end of the season.

With so many high profile managers in the Premier League this season, Wenger needs to prove that he is still one of the best in the league. This season would be important to him on a personal note with fans questioning his position at the club even after 2 decades of service.

The Gunners start their league campaign against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates stadium.

Performance in the transfer market

Arsène Wenger has bought Swiss international Granit Xhaka for a reported fee of £30m to cope up with loss of experienced players Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomáš Rosický.

Arsenal have also secured the services of young defender Rob Holding for a fee close to £2m.

Japanese forward Takuma Asano has arrived from Sanfrecce Hiroshima for around £800k.

Arsenal might be active in the latter part of the transfer window hoping to secure the services of a central defender and if possible another striker. Shkodran Mustafi and Alexandre Lacazette are the rumoured targets of the club.

How will they line up?

Petr Čech along with Héctor Bellerín and Laurent Koscielny would be the main pillars of Arsenal’s defence this season. While the midfield looks sorted with loads of options for Wenger to choose from. New signing Granit Xhaka is set to star in central midfield with Welshman Aaron Ramsey.

Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez will be the main attacking threats with Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck (who is dealing with a long-term injury) playing in front of them.

Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the other younger players will give Wenger lots of options to choose from.

Who are the key players?

Arsenal’s biggest strengths lie in their midfield. Mesut Özil was the star for Arsenal last season having registered 19 assists in the league last year. Arsène Wenger would be hoping that the German international resumes normal service this season.

Aaron Ramsey had an impressive Euros with Wales this summer. Wenger would be hoping that Ramsey stays fit and hits the kind of form he hit in 2013/14.

Alexis Sánchez is the biggest goal threat in the team. His energy and never-say-die attitude can be infectious at times. He along with Giroud would have to fire on all cylinders if the Gunners are to launch a serious title bid this campaign.

Young players to watch out for

Alex Iwobi managed to earn a starting position in Wenger’s lineup in the latter part of last season. The 20-year old Nigerian winger would want to continue his run in the first team this year as well.

20-year old English striker, Chuba Akpom has been one of the stand-out players in the preseason. The pacey forward would get decent number of opportunities if Arsenal don’t sign another forward this season.

Fans’ expectations

Arsenal fans would want to win the title this season after more than a decade-long wait. Wenger would be under massive pressure to deliver this season. Just managing a place in the top 4 wouldn’t please the Gooners anymore.

But a better finish in the Champions League would announce Arsenal among the best of Europe once again.

The Gunners have a strong team and a manager who has his pride at stake this season. Whether that results in a title winning season remains to be seen.

Image Courtesy: 101 Great Goals