5 Things Learned from Arsenal's 2014/15 Premier League Season

Even at 65, Arsene Wenger is still learning.

2014/15 was a season where the Gunners improved their league position but racked up a lower points tally than the previous year. That was largely due to a disappointing start that effectively prevented them from ever truly challenging for the title.

Next season is all about mounting a true challenge to Chelsea's dominance of the league. In this piece, we identify five crucial lessons for Arsenal to learn from the past season.

Arsenal Must Always Play with a True Holding Midfielder

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The impact of Francis Coquelin has shown Arsenal exactly what they've been missing in recent seasons. It's now impossible to conceive of the Gunners lining up without a designated defensive midfielder.

Coquelin may or may not be the long-term solution, but the fact remains that it's essential Arsenal continue to play with someone as disciplined and committed to the role as him.

The Gunners Can't Afford a Slow Start

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After 11 games, Arsenal were 12 points behind Chelsea.

At the end of the season, they trailed the champions by the same number of points.

That demonstrates the importance of a good start. Arsenal began 2014/15 poorly and never recovered. They cannot afford to make the same mistake next season.

Olivier Giroud Can Be a Prolific Goalscorer

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According to Squawka, Olivier Giroud managed 0.68 goals per 90 minutes in this season's Premier League. That means that if he had been fit for the entire season, he would have notched more than 25 league goals.

Those numbers suggest Giroud has finally developed into the kind of prolific forward they need to mount a credible title challenge.

Arsene Wenger Must Sign a New Goalkeeper

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If Arsene Wenger has learnt anything from this season it's surely that he needs to recruit a new goalkeeper come the summer.

Wojciech Szczesny began the campaign as first choice but lost his place to David Ospina in January. However, the Colombian has not been entirely convincing as No. 1.

If Arsenal are serious about challenging Chelsea, a world-class goalkeeper should be a priority.

Mesut Ozil Is Ready to Be the Team's Central Figure

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It's strange to think now that Mesut Ozil actually began the 2014/15 campaign as he ended the World Cup—playing on the wing.

Since returning from injury in January he has been used almost exclusively in his preferred role as a No. 10. The results have been good, with Ozil finally beginning to demonstrate just why Arsenal made him their record signing in September 2013.

He now seems to have the personality and physicality to flourish as the central figure in Arsenal's team.