In the words of Josh Kroenke: 'I would say, be excited'. And we ought to be. Because it really feels like Arsenal are back on the right path now.
Now, disappointment and anger meant that I couldn't bring myself to post right at the end of last season, so before I launch into optimism here's a quick summary of that - dictated to me by my old nemesis Captain Hindsight:
Arteta and Edu took a calculated risk by not reinforcing the squad last January. We were concerned at the time that losing Auba would leave us light up top, and so it came to pass. However, we were more hurt by the subsequent losses to long-term injury of Tierney and Partey. The squad was very light on numbers at that point, with little room for rotation, and by the end of the season those left standing were running on empty.
Without wanting to depress you by reminding you: successive losses to Palace (thrashed), Brighton (unlucky) and Southampton (flat), were followed - incredibly - by successive victories over Chelsea (amusingly), United and West Ham that coincided with the belated introduction of Nketiah to the starting XI. And then, from pole position, the pressure told. Abject capitulation at Tottenham, followed by an even worse performance at Newcastle, and that was that. The margins were fine, but the gamble ultimately failed.
On the one hand, 8th to 5th was clearly progression. However, 4th was within touching distance. And worst of all, what hurt most was that it was Tottenham who took 4th spot. And how we've suffered on a personal level over the summer as a result of that.
Anyway, that's done, and we have certainly moved on now. Arteta/Edu were looking not just for bodies, but the right bodies. So in January it was Vlahovic or nobody; and so nobody it was.
But it's an entirely different matter now. And I cannot recall the last time I was looking forward to the beginning of a season as much as this. Perhaps the day we signed Alexis Sanchez? A while ago, certainly.
For me, Gabriel Jesus is the PERFECT new central striker for Arsenal. We've already seen how he's relishing being the 'main man' at Arsenal instead of being a bit part player at Manchester City. His movement makes him the perfect foil for the likes of Saka, Martinelli and Odegaard, and he'll improve those three - and the whole team.
Additional signings so far have included Zinchenko - another supposed City 'cast-off'. Nonsense. And who cares? The guy can do several jobs at Arsenal - indeed, when Tierney's fit he's going to give Arteta a headache when you consider that Xhaka always starts when available. We're yet to see Fabio Vieira (woah oh) in an Arsenal shirt, but if what I've read about him is true we've every reason to be excited.
But perhaps the most significant addition to the squad may yet turn out to be William Saliba - the very personification of LANS ('like a new signing', for those who aren't very good with acronyms). He's looked big, strong, fast and utterly unflappable in pre-season. And with both Tierney and Tomiyasu still not match-fit, we've no reason to have the sort of concerns that we had this time last year.
And there may be more signings to come. Arsenal remain a major draw - Champions League or no Champions League. Edu is proving that, and for a second summer in a row he and Arteta are receiving the full support of the owners. Perhaps we can start changing our minds about the Kroenkes now; I sense that now they've tasted further success in the US - the LA Rams and Colorado Avalanche have won recent titles on the back of investment, so perhaps Stan can finally see the correlation?
I'd feel more comfortable with another central midfielder - for reasons I'll touch on in a moment - and with an extra centre forward. Let's tackle those in reverse order:
Jesus and Nketiah, and up to 70 games to be played. Possible World Cup in between for the Brazilian. Even counting Martinelli as the nominal third striker, that doesn't feel like enough. What of possible injuries? What of possible suspensions? How will the new 5-substitute rule change things? I'd feel comfortable with another option; somebody who offer something different. A Giroud-type figure who can hold the ball up and lay it off, perhaps? What do you think?
And then there's the sub judice midfield elephant in the room. There's one key position in the side for which we have no genuine like-for-like cover, and that's at the base of midfield. We have a player in there who's finally been beginning to show why Arsenal bought him, but there's no guarantee - for other than footballing reasons - that'll he'll be in the side in a few months' time. And whilst it's well nigh impossible to replace somebody with his qualities, we have to ask whether the midfield players we do have are capable of offsetting the loss of those qualities without upsetting the applecart elsewhere in midfield. So another one in, please. Rumour has it that Tielemans is pretty much a done deal, and it's merely a question of pressing the button. He'd do fine, so what are Arsenal waiting for? Sales, I guess; not for the transfer fees, which would be relatively paltry, but in order to free up wages. Get something done, please, Edu.
And so to prospects for the new season: Manchester City have signed Haaland and Alvarez (and will thus change the way they play slightly), but have lost Sterling as well as the two we've signed. I wouldn't call that strengthening. Liverpool have lost Mr Elbows, but signed Nunez. Again, not necessarily strengthened. But those two sides are well ahead of the pack, and it would be an enormous ask to expect Arsenal to breach that gap this season.
Elsewhere, Chelsea appear in disarray. Their transfer policy appears to be to wait and see who everyone else is scouting, and then look to gazump them. All the more amusing to see Barcelona raining continually on their parade. I don't think that they're ready, and they don't appear to have improved their squad. Manchester United remain a mess. New manager, but essentially the same players. Ten Haag has a lot of work to do, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them outside the Top 6 by the end of this season if they don't take drastic action somewhere.
Newcastle? Another season or two, I reckon, before they get to join the Big Boys Club. The aim this year will surely be Europa League, and they haven't seriously strengthened over the summer.
As for Tottenham, who I've saved till last: they've done some decent business. Perisic is past his best, but is a fine player. Bissouma is certainly an upgrade on what they had in central midfield, and Richarlison is the perfect foil for Kane and Son - they'll be diving across the full width of the pitch now... However, I feel they still lack creativity in central midfield. Remains to be seen how much that will hinder them, but they have a top manager. It's worth pointing out at this point, by the way, that this week we reached the tipping point that means that their last title win is now closer to the 19th century than the 21st - a tremendous statistic!
And so to predictions: a decent run in all three Cups - I'd be looking to win the Europa League, and - if I'm realistic - third place at best. Plus Jesus for the Golden Boot. Third or fourth would be progress, and acceptable, but fifth or sixth will only be acceptable if they win the Europa League. It's Champions League or bust, baby!
North London Forever!
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