IconSport/USA TODAY Sports
Arsenal is one of the most prestigious clubs not just in London but overall in the Premier League. This is true on paper and at times on the field as well. However in recent years, the Gunners have been sub par for the most part as they have not won the prestigious league title since 2004.
A 4th place finish last season places them in a play-off round that will determine whether they will play in the Champions League group stage or not. They made it last season and many seasons prior so this year is once again a must when it comes to the highest level of European club competition.
The club have been led by Arsene Wenger since 1996 and have been successful, but the lack of trophies is starting to anger management as well as the beloved fans. They play at the Emirates which is arguably the most beautiful stadium that London has to offer. The club is full of young talent but has lost two key veterans in the last couple of seasons in Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie. These two guys were just about the very best the club had to offer. They simply earned results as they were the true leaders of this team. Now that they left, filling that void has been more than difficult.
New talent was brought in – Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski – but these guys can only do so much to help the team. At the end of the day, Wenger is someone who does not like to splash the case one or or two big signings which is partly why the team can only finish in the top three at best.
Relying on developed and purchased young talent will take some time because this league is full of teams that bring in stars that have been there and done that. The team is extremely talented, but they need players that can score to win games consistently or put most of the pressure on his shoulders to carry this team to familiar heights. Until the coach and management brings in a big name transfer, this team will not be champion anytime soon.
