In large, Arsenal can be pretty satisfied with the progress that they have made so far this season. Two shrewd signings in Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Flamini have bolstered the squad and provided the team with belief and the impetus to rise above every challenge put before them. Quite simply, Arsenal have quietly but effectively emerged as serious title contenders for the first time in six years, to the disbelief of many.
In a season full of twists, turns and surprises, I will now attempt to lay down a base of predictions, however ambitious, in regards to the campaign going forward.
1) Mertesacker and Koscienly will continue their impressive form
The two centre-halves have been a terrific force for the gunners this term, contributing massively to Arsenal’s ten clean sheets and improved structural stability. The duo are so different in their playing styles that they compliment each other perfectly.
2) Podolski will be Arsenal’s main (second) source of goals
Much pressure has been placed upon the shoulders of Frenchman Olivier Giroud in recent months. Arsenal’s favoured out and out striker had his work load eased somewhat by the returns of Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski to full fitness. Now though, with Walcott out, look for Podolski to end this season on a high and display his renowned eye for goal and fantastic finishing ability.
3) Arsenal will conquer Bayern Munich
Though I don’t expect to see Per Mertesacker lifting the European Cup come May, I do think that Arsenal’s chances of beating Bayern Munich to reach the quarter final stage are good – or at the very least plausible. While Munich are the favorites for the tie, we may just see Arsenal’s spirit and talent nudge the German giants out of the competition, and avenge last year’s result.
4) …but will be knocked out the round after
Football can be cruel to anybody and any team on any given day. Progressing past Bayern Munich may seem like a hefty, monumental achievement to accomplish, but winning the tournament all together is far greater one. Unfortunately for Wenger’s men, I don’t see Arsenal reaching a Champions League semi-final.
5) Arsenal will finish the Barclay’s Premier League season as runners-up
Arsenal deserve all the credit in the world for their sudden rejuvenation this season, and will eventually be rewarded. However, I see Manchester City’s fire-power being too much for other teams to resist, and so expect to see this year’s crown being hoisted at The Etihad stadium when we reach the season’s end. Had Arsenal shown real intent in the January transfer window, I might have thought otherwise. I only hope that I am wrong.
6) Arsenal will win the FA Cup
A trophy drought closing in on nine years has left Arsenal fans desperately craving for a silverware. This year’s FA Cup is yet another golden opportunity to quench that thirst, and will be seen by many fans as the club’s most realistic target for 2014. Stiff competition litters the tournament, but I believe that Arsenal have the quality and the strength to emerge out as victors in this knock-out type tournament.
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I'm willing to crash out of the UCL, to be honest (but wouldn't mind progressing). I could see us winning the FA Cup and I daresay we'll continue to convince the naysayers that we can win the Prem. We may not be blitzing teams like Man City are, but a 2-0 win counts for the same three points as a 6-1 win. goal differential already goes their way, of course, so we'll just have to go out and stay above them on points.
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