Arsenal ‘Invincible’ highlights the Gunners’ biggest strength as they head into the new season

Arsenal have played bridesmaid to Manchester City for the past two seasons. Will 2024-25 be the season when they finally pip the Citizens or will Pep Guardiola’s men make it five in a row?

To discuss that, and more, we sat down with Arsenal ‘Invincible’ and two-time Premier League winner, Lauren.

The former Cameroonian international spoke about what he believes are Arsenal’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the new season and also the teams that he feels will be competing at the top.

Arsenal’s biggest strength is the maturity of their squad

When asked about Arsenal’s strengths heading into the new season, Lauren answered that it’s the overall squad which has gone toe to toe with Manchester City in the past couple of seasons. He adds that those experiences have made the squad more mature and they’ll be ready to compete in every competition.

“Arsenal´s biggest strength is their squad. Their squad is more mature and the team is on a level where they are able to compete in every competition.”

“Maybe they have to improve in the key games sometimes, but apart from that the team is mature and capable of competing in every competition. I would rather talk about their strengths than weaknesses.”

He continues by elaborating on the improvement they’ve made in the past few seasons. From struggling to qualify for the Champions League, to now being bonafide title contenders.

“As I said, the team is capable of competing in every competition. If we compare with the Arsenal team three or four years ago, they were not in the Champions League, which they are now.”

“They finished 5th in the table, last year they finished second and this year as well. They just have to try to win as many things as possible.”

The Arsenal hero also remarks that there’s no specific player who can be termed as a key man for the Gunners and instead it’s the qualities that Arteta’s men bring together as a unit that matters.

“Three key players? I would focus my attention on the squad instead of specific players. The squad knows how to compete and in the pressure moments, I believe that the Arsenal squad has been great this year, despite a few games where you’re looking for perfection.”

“I would go for the whole squad, instead of focusing my attention on players. Obviously, we always want to see the new signings, the way they perform, the way they will gel with the squad. Apart from that, I will stick to focusing on the whole squad.”

Mikel Arteta’s impact is massive and you can’t question the work he has done

Despite great results, two successive second place finishes and seasons without silverware have made sections of the Arsenal fan base a bit impatient with Mikel Arteta. Lauren, however, argues that you cannot doubt Arteta considering the massive impact he’s had at the club.

The former Portsmouth man points to Arsenal’s improving results as well as their points total from last season, saying that with those numbers they would have won the league anywhere else.

“Since Arteta arrived at the club, there has been a big improvement. The team is mentally ready to compete in every competition and the connection between the fans, the club and the players has been brilliant.”

“They are playing in the Champions League every season now. Take a look at the numbers. When they finished fifth they had 69 points, last year they finished second with 81 points and last season they got 89 points. With these kinds of numbers, you usually win the league. But they are competing against a beast, Manchester City. It’s so tough to compete against them.”

“But Arsenal has improved a lot in every single sense, and I don’t think we can ask questions around Mikel Arteta.”

First test against Wolves

The Gunners will kick off their campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and Lauren believes that Arteta’s men will have to start on the front foot and get three points.

As per the Cameroonian, getting off to a good start is extremely important.

“You have to start the season with a win. Always. Winning the first game gives belief and confidence so then you’re looking forward to the next game. It’s very important to get the three points against Wolves.” 

“It’s important to start and finish the season well. Always, during the season teams will have some kind of difficulties but you have to start and finish well.”

Teams that will challenge Arsenal

When asked about the teams that will be up there challenging Arsenal and Man City, Lauren mentioned the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle United. He also mentioned Aston Villa but is unsure if they can juggle both the league and the Champions League.

“Arsenal, City, Liverpool and then Newcastle, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham will be there. This year Newcastle could be there and we have to expect Manchester United and Chelsea to bounce back.”

“Last season I was always talking about Aston Villa, Monchi and Unai Emery. They’ve got a very good understanding. I know Monchi well and he’s a top sporting director. Aston Villa got the Champions league position but it depends because to play their first season in the Champions League and then the league, the FA Cup may mean they have a drop in performance.” 

The former right-back also commented on Chelsea’s summer of big spending, saying that Enzo Maresca would be an interesting coach to watch, considering his pedigree.

“It’s (Chelsea) a big club. They will get stronger and I heard about Maresca at Man City. He’s a professional. He understands the game and he’s very dedicated. He’s been around Pep Guardiola so he’s learned from the best. At some point Chelsea and Man United will bounce back.” 

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