The overriding feelings I have on Arsenal’s prospects for the coming season is that it is most likely to be a case of so near but so far. We probably do have the most exciting squad in the top flight, and will most likely be the division’s premier entertainers once again. However, it is hard to put forward a case that the crucial flaws in the Arsenal of last season have been rectified. The goalkeeping situation - which became a bit of a sick joke last season, and the problems in defence – particularly at set pieces and versus Drogba types, are looking increasingly likely to remain.

There is still some time to make the necessary signings or perhaps Wenger might believe that the defensive problems were more due to a collective failure than individual shortcomings – for example, the rhetoric coming out of the club in pre season suggests that there has been an emphasis on increasing collective aggression this season. However, I, like the majority of Gooners am frustrated that the manager seems willing (again) to gamble on our chances of winning silverware by not making the signings that will provide us with the strength in depth in key positions to mount a realistic assault on the top two (let alone four) prizes at stake. The frustration is compounded by the fact that despite Chelsea's march to the title last season, they are an ageing squad who were in reality there for the taking. It is also one of the least formidable Man Utd teams in recent memory and is most likely to be at least a year too early for Citeh to be realistic champions.

To finish on a more positive note, in an attacking sense we do have some real quality (and quantity). It is also worth remembering that despite our failings we still would have probably won the league if it weren't for some outrageous misfortune with injuries which you would hope would be quelled to some extent with the introduction of the GPS system. And I still have a bit of faith that Wenger will pull some defensive rabbits out of the hat before the close of the transfer window! Given and Kompany anyone?