Arsenal still have almost a quarter of the current season still to play and we still have a chance, if an unlikely one, of producing a late charge and challenge to Chelsea for the Premier League title. But more realistic Gooners are just hoping that we can improve on our league position from last season and retain the FA cup trophy.
I think that we have good reasons to expect more from Arsenal next season though, and here´s why:
Arsene Wenger is going to have decent money to spend again this summer but we are not in a situation anymore where the team has clear problems that need solving. With Coquelin breaking through and the signing of Gabriel, the Gunners have already gone a long way to fixing two of our biggest issues. We also now have very strong competetion for most positions, highlighted by the struggle between Gibbs and Monreal at left back but repeated all over the pitch.
So with a few key and quality signings, Arsenal will have a stronger team and an excellent squad. Then there is the issue that has been our biggest obstacle in recent seasons, injuries. Wenger said recently that the club has got to the bottom of Ramsey´s recurring muscle problems and many of our injuries this season, like Debuchy´s, Giroud´s and Wilshere´s have been impact issues and so there is a good chance that we will not be blighted by an injury crisis next time.
All that should mean a stronger challenge from Arsenal but what about our EPL rivals? Well Man City look like they are going to have a major reshuffle and we know that can take time to work, while Man United are going to have to do the same to a lesser extent. There are reports that neither Di Maria nor Falcao are likely to be at Old Trafford next season and van Persie is not getting any younger. Van Gaal also needs to sort out his midfield and defence in the summer.
Chelsea will be strong again and I expect Liverpool to improve but it is Arsenal and our talented young team, in my opinion, that is in the best position to really push on. And Wenger will be determined to be crowned champions of England again before he steps down, so will it be the Year of the Gun next season?