Predictions for Arsenal and Chelsea
For yet another season it was the usual suspects playing in the Charity Shield. Manchester United drew first blood in the season by beating Chelsea in the Community Shield, for the second season in a row. For the third time in five seasons it was Chelsea and Manchester United contesting in the traditional season opener. But last season the Premier League hinted at an increasing vulnerability among the established powers of English football.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea marched on to win the FA Cup and Premier League double in his very first season in charge. While Alex Ferguson’s United had to settle for a Carling Cup victory.
At Arsenal, the trophy drought has continued for five years and counting. It’s time for Arsene Wenger to stop talking about tomorrow and deliver on his yesterday’s promise. It will be a football delight to see the unshakable principles of Wenger being rewarded with some silverware.
Arsenal was never more than a sniff away from the title last season. While the Frenchman’s pretensions on the beautiful game were laid bare in front of the world by Barcelona in the Champions League.
Cesc Fabregas has ignored the advances by Barcelona and pledged his immediate future to the Gunners. It should serve as a huge morale booster for the London club as they are going into a new season with renewed aspirations.
Wenger has addressed some obvious flaws in his team by bringing in Lorient's Laurent Koscielny for a paltry sum of money. Also, by signing Maruane Chamakh for free from Bordeaux, but the most wanted goalie has still not been bought.
Four central defenders have walked out on Arsenal this season and they have only bought one so far. Wenger is still active in the market searching for a new central defender and a goalkeeper. Fans have been reassured time and again by the club that a goalie will be signed before the transfer window closes. But if this does not happen, Arsenal are not very likely to challenge for the title with a leaking defence.
Wenger has high hopes for youngsters like Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs and Gael Clichy, who all impressed last season. But with a depleted defence this time around their services will be needed more than ever.
Attacking wise, Arsenal has never been short of impetus but it’s their injuries that have cost them dearly in recent seasons. This season, the addition of Maruane Chamakh will give Wenger’s side a new dimension in attack and with a fit again Robin van Persie, Arshavin, and an improving Bendthner, Arsenal will not be struggling for goals next season.
The hopes at the Emirates are high and Arsenal will undoubtedly be exciting and easy on the eyes. But their success almost entirely depends on how their defence plays.
Defending Champions, Chelsea still has many big players, despite the departure of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Deco and Juliano Baletti. The return of Michael Essien from injury is a huge boost for his side. By the look of things Brazilian Ramires is also on his way to Stamford Bridge to provide further reinforcements in the midfield. Chelsea will fancy their chances to retain the Premier League title.
Chelsea’s attack does not have any problems with the likes of Anelka, Kalou, Drogba and Sturridge. It will only come down to how Chelsea’s defence plays in the League this season. It also remains to be seen whether John Terry will show signs of his traumatic experiences in South Africa, or if he is ready to lead his troops to the defence of their title.
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