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The 2011/12 Premier League Title Race: Arsenal

In the spirit of fairness, it is now time to consider the Premier League title credentials of Arsenal. That’s right, you remember Arsenal, don’t you. They won a couple of trophies a few years ago and are still lingering around the top of the table each year without really threatening to do anything more than take fourth place and have a stroll out in the Champions League year after year. The reality of the situation for the Gunners and their fans this season is not whether or not they can challenge for the title, but whether or not they can stay in that elite top four group and secure their continuing presence in the Champions League.

 

In brief, Arsenal have been mediocre for a few seasons now and with Wenger’s insistent reluctance to go into the transfer market and bring in world class players once more this summer, the team from North London simply are not good enough to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea et al. The ongoing rumours surrounding captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and is highly disruptive to Wenger’s preparation and if one or either of those players were to leave for pastures new, then Arsenal would almost certainly be doomed to another trophy-less season.

 

The amount of strengthening in nearly every area of the pitch that Arsenal need to undergo as well as a reassessment of their tactics and style of play means even the most optimistic of Gooners could not even conceive that Arsenal will be champions this season.

 

Verdict: The longer the Cesc Fabregas saga is drawn out for, the more detrimental it will be to Arsenal’s season. Even if Fabregas stays, the squad is simply not good enough to challenge and Wenger is too stuck in his ways to alter their predictable game plan. Europa League football in 2012/13.

Prediction: 5th

 

Next Up: Liverpool…