So a summer of discontent ends of a high for Arsenal; moves for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo all come to nothing. But on deadline day, for a hefty fee of ?42million, Mesut Ozil signed for Arsenal. Arsenal fans across the globe were united in excitement and disbelief as Arsene Wenger broke the bank to sign a player who is widely regarded as the worlds best number 10.
According to the Independent - a host of top names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, are said to be angry over Ozils departure from Real Madrid, but Real Madrids loss is Arsenal gain.
The international break beckons, meaning Arsenal not be back in action to September 14th, when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Life. So Arsenal will have to wait a while to see their German star in action.
I fully expect Wenger to stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation to accomadate his new superstar; here is a look at Wengers possible XI for his upcoming trip to Wearside.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny
The Pole has his critics but produced a solid enough performance in the game against bitter rivals Spurs. On deadline day Arsenal bolstered their goalkeeping ranks with the aquisition of Palermos Emilio Viviano. I fully expect the Szczesny to get the nod and Viviano is just a warning that if the Pole makes any more errors, there are goalkeepers' there to fight for the number one shirt.
Defence:
RB: Bacary Sagna
CB: Per Mertesacker
CB: Lorent Koscielny
LB: Kieran Gibbs
Against Spurs Carl Jenkinson filled in at right back for the ill Sagna, he was solid, but it is expect that Frenchman Sagna will take up right back duties and should be fit for Sunderland. Per Mertesacker and Lorent Koscielny have formed a solid defensive partnership. Even a fit Thomas Vermaelen would not oust any of the two from the centre back duties as the pair are in good form. At left back there is little to choose between Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal, but the Englishman gets the nod for now.
Midfield:
CM: Mikel Arteta
CM: Aaron Ramsey
In the centre of midfield I believe Arsene Wenger has a bit of a selection headache, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey started in midfield against Tottenham. I believe one of the two needs to be dropped, to bring the more experienced and defensive minded Mikel Arteta back, and give Arsenal more of a balance in the centre of midfield. Aaron Ramsey is in a rich vein of form, he drove the midfield forward against Tottenham on Sunday. He's done enough to oust Jack Wilshere from the Arsenal, for now. Mathieu Flamini was impressive on his debut against Tottenham and he will be called upon if needed.
RW: Theo Walcott
CAM: Mesut Ozil
LW: Santi Cazorla
Theo Walcott has pace in abundance and it was he who assisted Girouds goal in their 1-0 win over their North London rivals. It is key for Arsenal to keep him fit as he is vital to their chances. I firmly believe that Mesut Ozils best position is behind the striker. Another creative genious in Santi Cazorla will be moved to the left to accomadate Ozil. Cazorla played at times in the left wing last season, and will take up that duty again as Lukas Podolski recovers from injury. Exciting times for Arsenal fans who have two genuine world class players in these positions, and combined with Walcotts electrifying pace this attacking trio will hope to be a thorn in the side of Sunderland. Expect Tomas Rosicky to make an appearance from the bench.
Forwards:
Striker: Olivier Giroud
Girouds impressive pre-season form has carried on to the start of the season, notching three goals in his first three Premier League games. His mouth will be watering at the prospect of linking up with new recruit Ozil. The Frenchman is key to Arsenals chances, but my only worry is if Arsenal lose the Frenchman to injury, there are no adequate replacements to spearhead the Arsenal attack. Nicklas Bendtner is poor and Yano Sanogo is untested an untried.
Arsenal fans can be optimistic that they can make it nine points out of a possible twelve with a victory in the North East. But the Gunners squad still lacks depth, so Wenger may cross his fingers in hope he doesn't lose any of his key players to injury.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG