And we’re off…

Morning all.

Well that summer break went by quickly. Arsenal have been picked to open the new campaign along with Fulham. I’m sure that had the fixture been scheduled to take place at The Emirates, we’d be kicking off at 3pm but we’re been pretty grim on the road for a few years so I’m sure BT Sport couldn’t wait to stick this one on television.

Arsenal have injuries aplenty. When don’t we?

David Luiz, Emile Smith Rowe, Sokratis, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli and Shkodran Mustafi.

Bad news for Luiz who looks like he could be out for a while but it seems that because of his injury, Rob Holding will be going nowhere during this transfer window. So yet again, out of something bad comes something good.

Fulham have zero injuries apparently.

I’ve no idea what to expect from Fulham because I haven’t seen them play since the last time they were in the Premier League but to gain promotion through the playoffs takes hard work and dedication. Someone once said the Championship is the hardest league to get out of although I can’t recall who said it. I think we can safely assume that the west London side will play with caution, rather defensive I think.

Here is a few highlights of how they beat Brentford at Wembley to secure promotion.

Scott Parker is one of England’s upcoming young coaches who has done well in his first full season of management.

Mikel Arteta has yet to get through a full season in his post, just as he’s yet to fully assemble a squad of his own. Now he’s more involved in that process of course but even so, it’ll take a few more transfer windows before he can sign the kind of players he needs. Rome wasn’t built in a day and with a tight budget, neither will a near perfect Arsenal squad. If there ever has or will be one. Arteta has said that the squad isn’t balanced. It’s top heavy too, with a few expected to depart over the next few weeks.

Already Arteta has a struggle to field a Premier League experienced central defence so one of our new guys will probably start. My money is on Saliba. Rumours are rife about Bellerin heading through the exit doors so if there’s some substance to those stories, I very much doubt we’ll see him today. The Guardian newspaper reported that Martinez has been left out as his move away gets nearer. I expect we’ll see Willian at some stage of the game though, Ceballos too. The latter from the start I think. As for the rest, apart from a handful, toss a coin and see where it lands.

A new season is here and reading around the Internet, a certain amount of excitement and much enthusiasm surrounds Arsenal as we head into this new campaign. We finished last season in a very different manner to which we started it despite having the same players. Individuals have stepped up, collectively the group is more organised and players are back enjoying playing again. At least they look as if they are. Half the battle is won when footballers respond to a manager but that enthusiasm and dedication has to continue for the entire footballing calendar if Arsenal are to have a chance of improving on last season. 10/12 games is easy, 50 plus is a different proposition. This is when we see just how committed the same players are and how good or maybe not so good, Mikel Arteta is at his job. Keeping the players focused and firing on all cylinders for an entire season is his challenge.

Arsenal certainly need a strong start and winning our first fixture, one away from home, would be the best way to show that our end of season form wasn’t a fluke. We know preseason has been short, we know preparation hasn’t been ideal but that’s been the same for every club. No excuses, just start as we mean to go on. With a strong, committed and focused performance.

See you in the comments guys.