Heading into the new season, Arsenal will be optimistic about a positive 2022/23 Premier League campaign. The Gunners have had an impressive pre-season, beating some top Premier League clubs and they have completed some exciting signings in the transfer window.
In addition, Mikel Arteta heads into his third full season as Arsenal manager. As a result, the Gunners boss has had time to shape his squad, implement his tactical vision and spend time working with his players.
After the disappointment of missing out on a Premier League top-four finish last season, will this be the year the Gunners break into the Champions League places?
Pre-Season Highlights
In pre-season friendlies, Arsenal has a 100% winning record, notching four wins from four. While pre-season matches cannot always be judged the same as a competitive match, the manner of Arsenal’s victories has caught the eye.
Routine wins came against Orlando City (3-1) and Nürnberg (5-3). But it was victories over Chelsea and Everton that showcased Arsenal’s potential threat this season.
Firstly, in the 2-0 win over Everton, the Gunners cruised to victory with relative ease. Arsenal were dominant with 60% possession and 12 shots, as the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard controlled the match, getting into dangerous areas and setting up several big chances. New signing Gabriel Jesus also got off the mark with a first-half goal and Saka quickly followed with a second.
Then, the most impressive Arsenal pre-season win followed a one-sided 4-0 victory over Chelsea. The north London club applied pressure on Chelsea from the outset, forcing the Blues into mistakes in the final third. Also, similar to the Everton match, the Gunners attacked with pace and genuine threat, with Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli and Jesus once again providing the key threat.
The way in which Arsenal got these goals will give Arteta and the fanbase positivity heading into the new season. Playing with such intensity and competitiveness shows that Arsenal will be looking to make a fast start early in the Premier League campaign.
New Signings
This summer, Arteta has made three key signings that could provide the edge for a top-four finish. Firstly, Jesus has already shown his worth in pre-season, scoring in three of the four friendlies so far. Following the declines of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in recent seasons, Jesus will provide a new threat and genuine goalscoring ability.
Second, Arsenal’s signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko could also prove to be important business this season. The Ukrainian international is likely to be a useful utility player for Arteta, providing a forward-thinking approach from the defence. But he can also operate as a midfielder that could be drawn upon when rotation is needed in the squad.
Also, even at the age of 25, Zinchenko has five seasons of experience playing at the top level in England and Europe. Such experience could prove crucial and the winning mentality bred under Pep Guardiola may also prove decisive.
Portuguese midfielder Fábio Vieira was Arsenal’s third high-profile summer signing. Vieira impressed for FC Porto last season, making 14 assists and scoring 20 goals in 27 league appearances. The midfielder will likely provide competition, or play alongside Martin Odegaard in a more advanced role, with Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka providing defensive cover from midfield.
Each new signing for Arsenal brings something different. Arteta has clearly identified proven attacking players who could make a difference in tight games and who can also add quality against top opposition.
Potential for success in this year’s Premier League?
This could be the first season under Arteta where Arsenal really clicks and prove their potential. The Spanish coach has overhauled the squad and favoured young, exciting talent, which has had time to bed in.
As a result, we could see a massive improvement from the Gunners this season and they have already shown they mean business in pre-season. Their current price of 9/5 for a top-four finish seems generous given their potential, while the odds to lift the trophy sit at a massive 40/1.
