Mikel Arteta has added some real quality to his squad this season as he looks to wrestle the Premier League trophy away from the Etihad Stadium
The 2022-23 season was kind to Arsenal fans – until it wasn't. For months it seemed that the Gunners' wait for a Premier League title would be coming to an end. However, a run of just three wins in their final nine games saw them dramatically fall away, with Manchester City crowned champions in their stead.
Arsenal spent little time sulking this summer, though, moving quickly to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad with a string of exciting additions. It's not just another prospective Premier League title challenge that Gunners fans have to get excited about either. Arsenal are also returning to the Champions League this season, giving them a chance to rub shoulders with Europe's elite once again.
Technically, their season has already begun, with Arteta's side lifting the Community Shield in dramatic circumstances on Sunday. However, the proper action is just around the corner now, so GOAL has taken an in-depth look at how things might pan out for the north Londoners…
GettyRealistic expectations
It's not unfair to expect Arsenal to be firmly in the Premier League title race this season. They spent a record 248 days sitting pretty at the top of the table last campaign, before falling away at the business end. They've spent heavily – and smartly – on strengthening the squad since then, so there's no reason why they cannot at least replicate what they achieved during 2022-23.
Away from domestic matters, Arsenal are also returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2016. It's been a painful wait for supporters desperate to see the Gunners at European football's top table and it's difficult to know how they'll fare. Premier League success does not always translate to the continental stage and Arsenal should be afforded a teething period as they get back to competing with the best of the best.
AdvertisementGettyBest-case scenario
Winning the Premier League. It's that simple. If you offered Arsenal fans the title and an underwhelming Champions League run before a ball is kicked, 99 percent of them would surely take it. Arteta himself would likely take pleasure in preventing his former mentor Pep Guardiola becoming the first manager to secure four successive Premier League trophies, too.
If the Spaniard was being greedy, he'd likely ask for a domestic cup final on top of league success. But clinching that first title since 2004 will be his main priority.
GettyWorst-case scenario
Crippled by the extra workload of the Champions League and weakened by key injuries, Arsenal's title hopes are extinguished before Christmas and they are narrowly beaten to fifth place by a resurgent Tottenham.
Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but the Premier League is a merciless place. Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs are all stronger, Liverpool have looked ominous in pre-season, while Aston Villa and Brighton will be aiming to spring a surprise.
It's not entirely inconceivable that Arsenal drop out of the top four if a lot of things go against them this season. That's just how ludicrously competitive the Premier League is these days.
Getty ImagesThe MVP
Refreshingly perhaps, this Arsenal team is lacking a bonafide superstar that attracts more attention than their team-mates. William Saliba was a rock at the back last season, Oleksandr Zinchenko is a joy to watch in his unique role, while Gabriel Martinelli can be unplayable when he's on his game. Meanwhile, skipper Martin Odegaard is pivotal in making the Gunners tick and has added goals to his game recently too.
Standing narrowly above all others, though, is Bukayo Saka. Football fans across the globe dream of a player like Saka. An academy graduate, he is capable of winning games on his own and has not missed a single Premier League match across the past two seasons.
It'll be tough to improve on his 14 goals and 11 assists from last season, but if anyone can do it, Saka can.