Last summer the loss of Thierry Henry foretold of a season of struggle ahead for Arsenal who promptly began the year in fine style, racing to the top of the Premier League before a third placed finish ended the season as a disappointing failure.
A commitment to playing the game as it should engenders affection from neutrals and though they have failed to win a trophy in three seasons they remain a regular fixture of the big four.
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The move to Emirates Stadium should now be reaping rewards in increased revenues though Arsene Wenger's transfer budget is less than his peers, the club relying on the Frenchman's acumen in the transfer market to sustain a challenge for honours.
Arsenal will undoubtedly be out spent by their main rivals, with as many quality players leaving as joining, and a third placed finish again next year will probably represent some sort of success.
Manager:
Arsene Wenger.
Harry Redknapp may be considered the consummate wheeler dealer but Wenger's ability to find a continental bargain is unparalleled. Tottenham have spent double, in net terms, than Arsenal whilst he has been in charge. A football purist who nurtures young talent, he will never compromise his ideals as to how the game should be played.
Last season:
3rd - 83 points
The pot:
Arsenal are the relative paupers at the top end of the game. The recent move to Emirates Stadium may help in that respect over time though with the club still in the hands of a mainly English board the spending power of foreign investors is something Wenger can only dream of. That dream may become reality if Alisher Usmanov, the Uzbekistani multi-billionaire who owns 24.9 per cent of the club, is allowed to buy up more shares. The sale of Emmanuel Adebayor will leave Wenger with some money to play with.
What they want / need:
The long -term injury to Eduardo as well as Robin van Persie's regular aches and pains left Arsenal desperately short up front at the end of last season. With Emmanuel Adebayor set to leave, probably to AC Milan the need to buy in that area is paramount. An extra centre-back is a must as is a defensive midfielder to replace the departing Mathiue Flamini.
Who their targets are:
Samir Nasri - the latest 'next Zidane' is all but an Arsenal player with Valencia midfield hatchet man Raul Albiol also high on Wenger's wanted list to play alongside him, should the more highly rated - and much more expensive - Miguel Veloso of Sporting Lisbon prove out of reach.
In the striking department Daniel Guiza, who has impressed for Spain at Euro 2008 and top scored in the Spanish league with Real Mallorca last season, is looking for a move and would be a cheaper option than Mario Gomez of Stuttgart, who had a fine season for the German club despite an indifferent Euro 2008. Should Wenger want proven Premier League experience Peter Crouch is available for around £10 million whilst Roque Santa Cruz could be lured from Blackburn for a similar fee.
Special One:
Wenger believes that Andrei Arshavin would fit in nicely at Arsenal due to the quick pass and move sensibilities of both Zenit St Petersburg and Russia, though Barcelona look the favourites to sign him
Expect to see:
Lots and lots of pretty football and passes strung together but nothing won as Wenger bloods another raft of talented youngsters in an ongoing process of team-building. And a 7-1 gubbing of one of the weaker teams in the league.
Don't expect to see:
Arsenal going through the season unbeaten.
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