Arsenal are one of the pre-season favorites to lift the Premier League title in May 2019. The Gunners and their faithful have loads of reasons to be optimistic about a positive season. We take a look at five factors that could tip the balance in their favor…
1. MANAGERIAL CHANGE
After more than two decades, Arsenal said goodbye to Arsene Wenger. They have now appointed Unai Emery who was Paris Saint-Germain’s boss before.
In his second season with the club, Emery led PSG to the league title having held an unassailable lead throughout the season.
The Spanish boss has instilled a winning mentality and a new system at every team he has managed. This could be a major factor for Arsenal in their hopeful Premier League triumph.
2. STRENGTHENED SQUAD
Unai Emery’s arrival signaled an extremely positive transfer window for the Gunners. He made sure to add at least one quality player in each of the departments on the field.
Emery signed Bernd Leno as the goalkeeper from Bayer Leverkusen. He signed Switzerland’s veteran right back Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund for defensive cover.
He also made sure to overhaul his midfield by signing Lucas Torreira and Mateo Guendouzi. Emery has hinted at another potential signing before the end of the transfer period.
3. HIGH MORALE
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Arsenal claimed a win over Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in their friendly fixtures and were also on top against Atletico Madrid. The Emirates Stadium outfit would be on high morale with there being reasons for several to prove themselves.
The likes of Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazette were omitted from their nation’s World Cup squads, while players like Ozil and Mustafi have been subjected to endless hatred. They will be hoping to prove a point in the upcoming season.
4. ABSENCE OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The Gunners won’t be part of this season’s UEFA Champions League after a disappointing campaign in 2017/18. They will be forced to settle for the Europa League.
With all due respect to other participating teams, Arsenal can afford to field a mediocre squad and pick up the points in the preliminary stages. This would mean that other star players get sufficient rest and return fresh for the Premier League encounters.
5. BETTER SUPPORT FROM FANS
Arsenal will be having the backing of its fans in a warmer way this season. The Gunners have been impressive in this season’s transfer window.
That is something that the fans were discontent about since the last few years. Also, many of them demanded a change is coaching staff. Emery’s appointment has been a vital cog in Arsenal fans’ hope for a successful.