Thinking Football August 2016 | страница 8

Arsenal Last Season Premier League: 2 nd FA Cup: Sixth Round League Cup: Fourth Round 16 Champions League: Last- 24 Top Scorer (all): Olivier Giroud ( ) Another season, another failed title assault. Arsenal's inability to finish top of the pile, in what many considered to be their best chance to regain a trophy which has eluded them for 12 years, once again showcased their limp backbone. Mentality issues, along with calls for Arsene Wenger's head were just a few recurring problems which resurfaced during 2015 16 / . Granted, they did end up second, but that was mostly down to an almighty collapse from their rivals. So what about this season? A sense of deja vu has epitomised their recent era, with a perennial fourth place finish and a strong cup run common. It's potentially Wenger's farewell season, so his squad should be more motivated than ever to grant him a fitting curtain closer. Who's in and who's out? What's their reality? Three of the club's old guard bid Impossible, yet equally easy to farewell at the end of last season: rule them out of a title challenge. Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini Leaders are needed to avoid and Mikel Arteta, leaving leaders another spring time surrender. few and far between. The capture Another season scrapping for of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, Champions League football looms who had an impressive Euro 2016 , away from home and Everton wrap up their campaign. Key Man: Mesut Ozil unless Wenger can land a could provide the fight and grit knockout signing. The likelihood of that had been missed during the that happening seems to dwindle critical parts of a campaign. with every transfer window... Takuma Asano, an unknown Fixtures to look out for Young Star: Alex Iwobi Don't have to look far. Liverpool at Marmite Man: Olivier Giroud quantity from Japan, and promising Bolton defender Rob Holding are also on board. home on the opening weekend is a 3 Words: Pass, pass, pass 356 Odds (Bet Season expectations? visit to the Emirates on bonfire A league title. But with others night, with the return scheduled for bolstering after poor league In set to be a corker. Spurs make their 29 th April. That trip to White Hart campaigns their best chance to Lane is the start of a tricky end to may have passed them by. the season. Man United, Stoke Title: 61 ): / Relegation: Prediction: 750 1 4 / th