The sports pundit Alan Smith may have been an Arsenal striker earlier in his career but he doesn’t seem to have any loyalty or belief in Arsene Wenger’s team. In fact he doesn’t think that the Gunners have any chance at all of stopping the title from ending up at Chelsea or Manchester City this season.
“Another trophy would be great this season, but I can’t see them winning the title, I really can’t,” Smith told Talksport. “They’re still a few furlongs behind Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as they might have done in the summer transfer window.
“I think they have moved forward with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and [teenage defender] Calum Chambers, but I still think they are weak in terms of protecting the back-four.
“Realistically you’re looking at another top-four finish, and maybe they can nick a cup again, but unfortunately I still don’t see them as title challengers.”
After the busy transfer window where Arsenal have definitely improved the quality of the squad, I think Smith is being a bit hard on his old team. Surely if we can avoid a repeat of last seasons injury woes then I am certain we can make a sustained challenge on all fronts?
Or am I being overly optimistic?