Premier League: Arsenal '08/'09 Preview

This season is a defining one in the development of Arsene Wenger’s youthful side. For the past few seasons, after the departures of the influential Patrick Vieira and then the talismanic Thierry Henry, the Gunners have been spared the pressures of a demanding fanbase and expectant media frenzy.

Alternatively, Wenger often offers explanations on his youth philosophies: His illustration of "building a house" concerned with progress in the maturing an adolescent talents is shoved in our faces to distract from the failures of the first team.

We are bombarded with propaganda, from both within and outside the Emirates, reminding us that Arsenal is still a young side, but sure to flourish soon. But not this year, we are told. Maybe next season.

In actual fact, this is the time for the Arsenal to establish themselves as a consistent side. The unreliability of the team is becoming tedious and is threatening to permanently take the limelight away from the undoubted talent within the first-team squad.

Speaking of irregularity in performance levels, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has flapped at his last cross in this country after signing for Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart. Manuel Almunia is likely to continue between the sticks, with the promising Lukas Fabianski as backup.

Though unlikely, Wenger may be tempted to bring another goalkeeper into the side. It is believed he is a great admirer of Juventus stopper Gianluigi Buffon, but Juventus would be sure to demand an astronomical transfer fee if any deal were to be done.

Defensively, on paper Arsenal look very short. They certainly appear lacking a backline fit for Premier League champions. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are athletic and have enough stamina and pace to last for more than ninety minutes at a time, but their concentration levels were tested last season.

The Swiss duo of Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou look out of place in an Arsenal shirt. Djourou does not seem to have the physique to play centre half, and could perhaps be better suited to a central midfield berth. A case of square pegs in round holes?

Senderos, on the other hand, is a case of a special, undesirably shaped peg in a round hole. He is the complete antithesis of everything the Gunners have offered us on the pitch in the past few years; lacking composure, technique, and looking frankly dopey at times.

Although history tells us Wenger likes a bruiser of a defender in his squad—Igors Stepanovs, Pascal Cygan, et al—so he is likely to stay.

William Gallas’ inadequacies in the captaincy role were highlighted last season, with his sulking on the pitch after the disappointing trip to Birmingham the most telling example. The stand-out performer in the defensive setup at Arsenal is undoubtedly Kolo Toure, who suffered a slight dip in form last season, partly due to being shifted between right back and his preferred centre back position.

A cultured defender would undoubtedly improve the side as a whole, a Sergio Ramos or a Philippe Mexes type defender.

Enough doom and gloom for now.

There is cause for optimism in the centre of the pitch. In Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal have one of the finest players in the world at the moment, and he is certain to continue to his dazzling performances in the heart of the midfield.

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