Arsenal FC: Ranking the Best Starting XI for the Gunnners

In what has been a largely disappointing summer for Arsenal—with the loss of their captain Cesc Fabregas and on the verge of losing another key player in Samir Nasri—the Gunners will need to come to terms with the fact that they may be heading into another long season with the players they have left.

While there have been acquisitions, they have been few and far between, and often not of the quality to replace those on their way out.

This Arsenal squad is significantly weaker than what is was at this stage last season. Sadly, this is the best of what the Gunners have to offer at the moment.

Wojciech Szczesny

It appears that the Gunners have finally found their No.1 goalkeeper. For a number of years following Jens Lehmann’s departure from the club, Manuel Almunia took his place between the posts as Arsenal’s make-shift first choice.

An array of errors and injuries last season meant reserve team keeper Szczesny was forced into his debut for the Gunners away to Manchester United. The 6' 5" Pole instantly looked the part, seeming more assured and allowing the defense to play with more confidence. Szczesny possesses an arrogance that can only be warranted by his ability and talent—something he has an abundance of.

Bacary Sagna

Despite all of the Gunners’ problems defensively, the right-back position has always been secure in the hands of Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman, who arrived in 2007 from Auxerre, has made the position his own with consistent performances and his ability to come out on top in high pressure situations.

The downside to Sagna’s game is his ability going forward. Lacking in his final ball, the Gunners’ attack often breaks down as a result of Sagna’s poor delivery.

For now, though, Sagna will continue to be a regular fixture in the Arsenal starting 11.

Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny’s rapid rise from Ligue 2 in France to the Arsenal first team in just 12 months has been impressive. Arriving as a replacement for the departing William Gallas, Koscielny was thrown in the deep end when Arsenal lost Thomas Vermaelen to injury for the season.

He has, however, performed to a high level, with his stand out performance coming against Barcelona in the Champions League. With Vermaelen, Koscielny’s potential and ability will continue to shine alongside the experienced Belgian.

Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen quickly endeared himself to fans with a number of outstanding performances. He has the ability to bring the ball out of defense and chip in with a his share of goals.

He’s possibly the most dominant centre back Arsenal has had since Sol Campbell. He's another player who will be a long-term staple in the Arsenal defense—providing he avoids injury.

Kieran Gibbs

The left back position appears to be a real problem area for Arsenal following the departure of Gael Clichy to Manchester City. It’s not a knock on Kieran Gibbs’ ability, rather his inability to stay free of injury for any length of time.

The youngster deputised for Clichy for a number of years, often showing he had a better offensive ability than the Frenchman. However, he has often been found wanting in defense and lacking positional awareness.

If he can stay free of injury, he has all the ability to perform at a high level for the Gunners. Until then, the left back position will always be a concern with only Armand Traore as backup.

Alex Song

The only reason Song has piped Emmanuel Frimpong to the defensive role in midfield is due to Frimpong’s inexperience. Song does provide a strength in midfield that is often lacking in the Gunners’ lineup.

However, he does have a reckless streak. He consistently gets booked for unnecessary actions and his ability to regain possession from tricky, talented players can be called into question.

He does have the ability to be a vital piece to the Arsenal starting 11, as he showed in his breakout season in 2009.

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere was the obvious internal replacement for Cesc Fabregas. Wilshere had an outstanding season for Arsenal last year—his first full season following a six-month loan spell at Bolton.

He has the drive, ambition and creativity to soften the blow left by Fabregas’ departure. However, still at a young age and lacking the experience to carry this Arsenal team, he may be a number of years away from replacing the numbers Fabregas consistently put up for the club.

Still, Arsenal can find comfort in the fact that they have England’s brightest young star. And since he came through their own youth academy, he was absolutely free.

Tomas Rosicky

This time last year Tomas Rosicky was considered surplus to requirements. Now, Arsenal fans anxiously wait to find out if he will be fit for their upcoming games. How things change.

Rosicky did perform well in preseason, showing glimpses of his ability that seemed to have deserted him following his 18 month spell on the sidelines.

He will add experience alongside the young Wilshere and if he can find his shooting boots again, can be lethal from long range.

Andrey Arshavin

The Russian has often frustrated Arsenal fans throughout his time at the club. While the talent and ability is obviously there, the work ethic and desire to help his team is something that doesn’t show up too often.

His numbers, however, were impressive last season, reaching double figures for both goals and assists. He is a player who can create something out of nothing and until Arsenal have a ready-made alternative, Arshavin will remain in the starting 11.

Gervinho

Gervinho is the first new recruit to make an appearance in this Arsenal starting 11. The Ivorian does add something different in attack, with the movement and desire to run in behind defenders and the trickery and pace to beat them.

He has shown that he can provide goals and assists in large numbers, but his effectiveness in the Premier League may take some time as he gets to grips with the rigours of the English game.

He does, however, bring a welcome change to the often disappointing Theo Walcott in wide positions. He if far more ready to make an impact at the club than the out of position Englishman.

Robin van Persie

The new club captain could have been—and probably should have been—the leading scorer in the Premier League last season were it not for another long-term injury.

The Dutchman is the real inspiration for the Gunners now following Fabregas’ departure. He may act as the primary creative outlet in the absence of Wilshere and will certainly guarantee goals ahead of the goal-shy Marouane Chamakh.

If van Persie can stay free of injury for the majority of the season then Arsenal will be fine on the goal scoring front. With Chamakh seemingly the only alternative, Arsenal are relying on van Persie to lead from the front.