When I look at our current squad, I see a team that is more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for trophies this season. We all know that defensively we need to improve from last season but I would say that individually, we have some of the best defensive options in the league. I expect some would disagree with that assessment but look; our first choice back four includes Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen and Gibbs, many of whom will improve further still this season. Then we have 

So, as expected, RVP has gone to one of our rivals and is no longer, as far as I’m concerned, somebody who I will pay much attention to after finishing this article.

There can be no doubt that his talent will be missed but I wonder to what extent? Last summer this would have been game over but given our acquisitions this year, I’m actually not that worried. Here’s why:

When I look at our current squad, I see a team that is more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for trophies this season. We all know that defensively we need to improve from last season but I would say that individually, we have some of the best defensive options in the league. I expect some would disagree with that assessment but look; our first choice back four includes Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen and Gibbs, many of whom will improve further still this season. Then we have Mertesaker, Djourou and Miguel as cover for the central positions and Jenkinson, Santos and Yennaris for the full backs. That is a squad of experienced first team players supplemented by talented youngsters who are poised to step into the first team. With Sczezny in goal behind them, I believe we have enough quality in this area.

Steve Bould will, over the course of the season, iron out some of our defensive deficiencies which I believe is a tactical issue rather than having anything to do with our players’ lack of ability. And let’s not forget the full back injury crisis that handicapped us for nearly two months.

We have a very talented midfield now that Cazorla has arrived added to the returning Diaby and eventually Wilshere. I expect Song to be sold on this summer and unlike the RVP situation, this is one that we will make without being pressured into by another club, the player or indeed his agent. Time will tell if this is because Wenger feels that Coquelin and Frimpong are ready to take over or if he has another transfer lined up. What I do wonder as well is how much Arsene is relying on Diaby this season as I remember him saying a season or two ago that he was a major part of his plans, only to be out injured long term.

The first choice midfield trio could potentially be Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla but there are many wonderful combinations. Arteta, Diaby, Chambo or Coquelin, Wilshere Rosicky – I could go on but you get the point, we have such a great crop of midfield players to choose from.

On the attacking front, I would personally like to see another striker come in and I would expect Arsene to be of the same mind. We have three players at the moment who can fill the central striker role but one of them is Chamakh. As much as I feel a bit sorry for him and want him to get his form back, I’m just not sure he’s up to it.

The point of this article is that, despite RVP’s departure, we still have a very exciting squad full of talent and experience and I am therefore going to move on from RVP and look forward to the season ahead.

Last season was as painful as I can remember from an emotional point of view and I think we can all expect a more settled and consistent team this time around.

And to all those who said we were a one man team last season – we’ve totally addressed that issue by selling the ##c#**!

Mean Lean’s Response

Great points and I mostly agree with everything you have said.

It is very difficult to convince anyone that we are better off without van Persie than to have him in our squad but the squad is certainly stronger this time round even without the quality of van Persie. Plenty of praise has to go to the manager for bringing in three players of quality for the prices that we got them for. If Santi Cazorla was playing for Real Madrid then he would have a price tag of £25m-£30m you’d imagine. Lukas Podolski may not be as stylish as van Persie but he is a big goalscorer and Oliver Giroud has room for improvement and adds another dimension to our game.

We are almost certainly likely to bring in new faces to our midfield and that is very exciting. It looks likely that Sahin will be Wilshere’s temporary replacement on loan and I imagine a more defensive minded player could be brought in, if that is the case then we will be in the best shape since 2007/08, at least on paper.

van Persie
Song

Compared to

Podolski
Giroud
Cazorla
Sahin (potentially)
Song’s Replacement (potentially)

I know which squad I would rather have. Although having to bed in so many new faces might be a task in the early weeks.

Many have been bemoaning the fact that we haven’t strengthened defensively but I believe that we already have most of the personnel. It is all about the work the team do at London Colny rather than bringing in new faces that will make the difference. I am intrigued to know if and how Steve Bould and Neil Banfield make any difference to the team.

I am very excited about the game today. A chance to see Arteta and Cazorla keep possession against opposition pressing midfielders. Cazorla slipping balls into Walcott and Gervinho. The thunderous shooting of Lukas Podolski. There is plenty to be excited about.

I am going with this line up for today. I would be very surprised to see anything different unless Arsene doesn’t want to throw in Cazorla after his 90 minutes and long flight with Spain in midweek.

Even with so many out, it looks pretty damn strong to me.

Come on you Gunners.