17/18 season expectations
Positive start
The season has started. And thus far, it’s reasonably good. A pulsating 4-3 win vs. Leicester City was added to a “friendly trophy” win vs. Chelsea at Wembley.
Last season was poor, bar the FA Cup of course, though the past is the past, and we should look to the future. So with the Leicester game now past, what can or should we expect from the season?
Goalkeepers
Last season
Things were too sporadic and inconsistent. Cech redeemed himself at White Hart Lane, after his debacle at Chelsea. Ospina played well in the Cup Final, but then not so much in other games. Both had “meh” seasons. Some things were very good, mixed with some very poor play.
Reasonable expectations
For both Cech and Ospina to be contenders for the Golden Glove award and show better form more consistently.
Defence
Last season
Some organisational issues were solved with the move to a back three. However, there were numerous individual errors that cost us in various games.
Reasonable expectations
To keep more clean sheets, see the continued emergence of Rob Holding, and a successful introduction of Kolasinac. However, the pathetic and abominably poor defending vs. Leicester must be curtailed.
Midfield
Granit to improve on 1st season
Last season
Inconsistent, and overrun in key games/instances.
Reasonable expectations
For Xhaka to improve along with Elneny, Ramsey, et al, and for the midfield to show more fight, spirit, and character mixed with high technical capability.
Attack
Laca and Oli close to 20 goals each
Last season
Insipid in key moments, and not really capable of consistent play. Alexis was the exception to this, though all need to follow his example in the coming campaign.
Reasonable expectations
Lacazette to score goals, as well as Alexis, and for Ozil, Iwobi, Welbeck, et al, to provide strong support.
Mr. Wenger
Better tactics
Last season
A poor mentality, though ameliorated by the formation change and the glorious FA Cup win. Some clubs believe finishing runners-up is a trophy, yet we know better.
Reasonable expectations
To enhance the formation change, be more tactically flexible, and instil a winning mentality in the team.
The team
Last season
A bad first game, very good until December, and stuttered to get fifth place. Ended gloriously at Wembley, naturally.
Reasonable expectations
Top four, FA Cup and/or Europa League wins.
The overall goal in my mind though should be to get top four. It will be difficult, but if we can continue our newly-found tactical flexibility, and improve our mentality, it’s more than possible.
My top seven for 17/18:
Man United
Man City
Chelsea
Arsenal
Tott*nham
Liverpool
Everton
Top scorer 17/18 for us:
- Alexis
- Lacazette
- Giroud
All will border 20 goals in all competitions.
MarbleHallsTV is an Arsenal social media account on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. Been a Gooner since the 90s, inspired by Ian Wright, then Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry, Pires, Campbell, Rosicky, Koscielny, Ozil and Sanchez. A digital marketer/entrpreneur by profession, born in UK living in the Americas now.
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