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Arsenal
Team Preview
AFP Photo
In the 10/11 season, Arsenal scored 72 goals, even more than runners-up Chelsea and third placed Manchester City but still failed to win the League title. They even lost the final of the Carling Cup to Birmingham. The club had a disastrous start last season after captain Cesc Fabregas and midfielder Samir Nasri left. They climbed to third place eventually with new signings midfielder Mikel Arteta and defender Per Mertesacker in mid-season.
The attacking line was solely supported by top scorer and captain Robin van Persie last season. Coach Arsene Wenger has signed Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud and Koln striker Lukas Podolski in the likely event of van Persie leaving. Last season’s signings Gervinho and Park Chu-Young had a disappointing season. The performance of midfielder Jack Wilshere after injury will be the key to a successful season for Arsenal.
Reserve goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is leaving. Wenger emphasized an attacking mentality which hasn’t worked for them in the Premier League and there are voices asking for him to resign. The team has a long injury list and most key players struggle to stay fit for the whole season. If Wenger doesn’t sign further quality players, Arsenal will just have another trophyless season.
Team Profile |
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|---|---|
| Year Established: | 1886 |
| Home Stadium: | Emirates Stadium |
| Capacity: | 60,361 |
| City: | London |
| Honour: | League Champion (Premier League & First Division) 13 times: (1931, 33, 34, 35, 38, 48, 53, 71, 89, 91, 98, 2002, 04) |
Star Player
AFP Photo
Podolski |
|
|---|---|
| Current Club: | Arsenal |
| Played for: | Bayern Munich, Koln |
| Nationality: | Germany |
| Summary: | Lukas Podolski was named “the Prince” by Koln fans. He started playing for the German national team at Euro 2004. National coach Joachim Low values him highly and has been a regular starter even after former coach Jurgen Klinsmann left. He has strong shot from distance and likes to set up attacks from the left flank. He had a dip in form in 2006 but has regained confidence after scoring 18 goals for Koln last season. |
Arrival |
||
|---|---|---|
| Player(Position) | From | Remarks |
| Olivier Giroud (Striker) | Montpellier (France) | Fee €10.6m |
| Lukas Podolski (Striker) | Koln(Germany) | Fee €11.5m |
| Santi Cazorla (Midfielder) | Villarreal | Fee €16.7m |
Departure |
||
|---|---|---|
| Player(Position) | To | Remarks |
| Robin Van Persie(Striker) | Manchester United | Fee £24m, 4-Year Contract |
| Ryo Miyaichi(Striker) | Wigan | Loan |
| Manuel Almunia (Goalkeeper) | Watford | Free Transfer |
| Gavin Hoyte (Defender) | Dagenham | Free Transfer |
| Joel Campbell (Striker) | Betis(Spain) | Loan |
| Carlos Vela (Striker) | Real Sociedad(Spain) | Fee €3.4m |
