Arsenal FC: Could Swansea Pose a Threat to This Vulnerable Team?

Very recently, I suffered a great deal of pain as an Arsenal fan due to a weak, vulnerable Arsenal side. The Gunners took on Manchester United at Old Trafford for the third Premiere League game of the season. Who knew the Gunners were about to face an onslaught by the Red Devils?

Goal after goal after goal. Manchester absolutely demolished Arsenal in an 8-2 crushing of the Gunners. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie were the only two Gunners to net in goals. While it was Wayne Rooney (hatrick) and Ashley Young (two goals) who propelled United to a victory, along with the help of Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ji-Sung Park, Arsene Wenger and his players left Old Trafford a humiliated team.

Who knows what is to come for the Gunners this season. They haven't had a good start, one draw and two losses. Two of their best players left the club this summer. Thomas Vermaelan is the only solid center-back, and he has an injury cloud that can detonate him with injuries at inconvenient times of the season. So, there are many gaps to fill for the team.

Defense is one of them.

Just one or two days ago, the club agreed on terms with Werder Bremen on the star defender, Per Mertesacker, and they could buy the player for quite a low price. Just today, last day of transfers, Arsenal received the German international on a long term contract. This leaves the left-back position that Gael Clichy recently emptied in a move to Manchester City, but Arsenal have been in pursuit of Brazilian left-back, Andre Santos. Arsenal just completed the move today, last day of transfers. Hopefully, these two additions to the team can do magic for the Gunners defense.

In terms of offense, Arsenal also completed the signing of South Korean captain Chu Young Park. He has been a vital asset to his international team, and I'm sure he can do something to help the Arsenal attack.

Arsenal's midfield has recently been depleted by the departures of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri. Now, the only decent midfield weapons they have are Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. If the Gunners hope to attain a form similar to that of prior years, this midfield gap needs to be closed. The Gunners are in pursuit of Everton man, Mikel Arteta. He could be a good addition to the Arsenal midfield with his playmaking skills, so he could provide some nice balls to Walcott or van Persie. The midfield area is one of the most important aspects of a football side. 

The attacking side of this club is pretty solid, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Robin van Persie. Chu Young Park has yet to debut for the Arsenal, so we don't know whether he can have a positive effect for the Gunners. Robin van Persie has proven to be effective as he received the captain's armband, but he still needs to amp up his game to prove that he truly is worthy of the armband.

Theo Walcott has been a great player in the preseason and first games of the Premiership. His speed is sensational, and his change of pace makes him an attacking asset. The only thing is, his shot isn't good. He can finish well, but his long shots aren't effective as he usually shoots right at the goal keeper. He needs to work on his placement of long shots. Gervinho has proved to be a beast on offense, as he has scored and assisted. He stepped up when necessary and he will be a big player in the Arsenal squad. 

Ultimately, each section of Arsenal's squad needs improvement, and I think that their upcoming match against Swansea will be a good way to increase the team's confidence for the rest of the season.

My prediction for the Gunners' face-off against Swansea is that Arsenal will take the three points 2-0 or 3-0. So do you think Arsenal can salvage something from their upcoming match?