It is one of football’s clichés that nothing is won on the opening day. Many will not take too much notice of Arsenal’s 6-1 hammering of Everton on the first weekend of the season, believing that consistency and not quality is what the Gunners lack. Titles are decided when the going gets tough and the general consensus seems to be that Arsenal, distant fourth favourites, will slip-up.
| This suspicion of Arsenal’s title-winning aspirations is due to their recent lack of silverware – no trophies since 2004/05 – and their supposed lack of investment in the squad. Remember though, before | placing a bet, both factors are overplayed. |
Since winning the FA Cup in 2005 Arsenal have been runners-up in the Champions League and League Cup and were involved in the league title race for much of the 2007/08 season. The perceived lack of killer instinct and experience that supposedly prevented the Gunners clinching these trophies has been attributed to Arsène Wenger’s reluctance to spend big money in the transfer market.
Whilst the Frenchman does retain faith in his talented youngsters and is adamant the club’s prudent financial approach will be vindicated in the current economic climate, an evolution of the squad has taken place.
Wenger is in a way a victim of his own transfer market success. He is criticised for not spending money, but the club coffers only swelled due the profit he generally makes on players. Arsenal get the best out of players, then cash-in. Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor join a list that includes Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole.
This also ignores Arsenal’s recent big signings. None of Andrei Arshavin, Eduardo, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri or Thomas Vermaelen came cheap. Wenger spends money as he needs to and in replacing Touré, essentially a reserve last season, with Vermaelen, a first choice centre half, his aim has been achieved.
Arsenal are stronger than they were last term. Rosicky and Eduardo return from injuries as virtual new signings, meaning the unpopular Adebayor will not be missed. Manchester United are demonstrably weaker than last season, whilst Chelsea have done little but maintain stability.
Arsenal will be happy that Manchester City are mentioned as serious title contenders. The Gunners can carry on as dark horses, but many more displays like they produced at Goodison Park will expose them. Arsenal are genuine title contenders.