So the transfer window has closed and we added Koscielny, Squillaci, Chamakh. But is the squad stronger or weaker as a result of the new signings and departures or are we weaker than last season?
The goalkeepers were an area that we needed strengthening, Arsene pretty much confirmed it with comments like “the number 1 is up in the air” and the resfusal to rule out Schwarzer. Perhaps it was all left too late, yes I think Arsene has to field much of the criticism for this but when Hughes joined Fulham I pretty much knew he wouldn’t sell to us – he hates Arsene. Couple that with the injury to Fulham’s second choice keeper and Schwarzer was going nowhere. So we are left with Almunia as number one, his confidence must be shot to pieces knowing that Arsene was looking to replace him right until the window closed. Fabianski has shown himself to be a very weak backup keeper as well. It is a massive worry for us this position, and might cost us silverware, but only one person will carry the can for this. Verdict – no change from last season
We had issues in defence last term, the reality of only having two centrebacks hurt us at times. Sylvestre was not Premier League quality and not Arsenal quality. Sol Campbell was a great signing for the second half of the season, which timed well with the routine Gallas injury so again we were back down to two centrebacks. But all three of those players have left the club. Two replacements have arrived, Sebastian Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny the former brings experience but has yet to feature so no further comment can be given and the latter looks promising but needs to adapt to the league. Johan Djourou also returns from long term injury, but there are concerns he will stay fit for the season so he will be fourth choice I feel. But we now start the season with what appears four decent central defenders, that gives more confidence than last year did. No change in the left/right back positions but I don’t think we had issues there and the return to fitness of Gibbs will provide some competition for the at times lacklustre Clichy. Verdict – stronger than last season
In midfield we have not added, however the emergence of Wilshere is a bonus. A year older and with half a season of loan experience with Bolton seems to have made him more of a player. The early season form of Rosicky is promising too. But in reality we were pretty strong in midfield anyway, and there have been no major changes so, Verdict – no change from last season
Our forward line was going strong, banging goals in until van Persie got injured. But no issues like that this seaso…oh hang on. Bendtner can cover, ahh but he is injured too. At least we have Chamakh, he looks promising and has a high work rate. A player who offers something different to what we saw from the dwindling Eduardo last season. Provided we can keep van Persie fit for most of the season and have Bendtner back at some point we will have competition for the front position. Walcott looks transformed too, he could even be given a shot in the middle if we fancied it. Goals were not a problem last season, and I doubt they will be this. Verdict – stronger than last season
So overall I think we have a stronger squad than last year, not more depth but certainly more quality in the depth we have. The 25 man squad rule wont hurt us too much either as we have a long list of under 21s we can add at any point in the season. As I said before goals being scored wont be an issue for us, it’s the conceding goals that will be the problem – just like it was las season. While Arsene has strengthened in the central defensive positions I do still worry about the keepers. Schwarzer would not have offered an improvement compared to Almunia, but he would have been a far more confident player and that is something that I think many gooners are worried about.

