Whether you count it as a trophy or not, the records state that Arsenal have already bagged one competition this season.
And Gooners down in the Transfer Tavern are full of optimism following their Community Shield victory over Chelsea.
Impressive performances from new signings Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazatte means the Gunners head into Friday night’s opening day meeting with Leicester with high hopes that they will be competing for the league come the end of the season.
Arsenal are expected to bring in one or two more by the end of the window, with Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri a reported target.
Wenger has a pool of central midfielders to choose from in just two positions. Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka impressed against Chelsea, while Aaron Ramsey could return and Francis Coquelin is also available.
We’ve put together the best midfield to start the season strong…
LWB – SEAD KOLASINAC
The Bosnian was fantastic after coming on for the injured Per Mertesacker against Chelsea. Kolasinac was a battering ram down the wing, before notching up his first Arsenal goal.
The future looks bright for the 24-year-old, and he deserves to start.
CM – GRANIT XHAKA
Xhaka’s good form has seemingly continued after an excellent display over the weekend. The Swiss midfielder came away with a 100% passing accuracy having controlled the game from start to finish.
Gooners will be hoping his self-discipline improves this season.
CM – AARON RAMSEY
Arsene Wenger would have been disappointed he was unable to call upon the Welshman on Sunday. It’s touch and go whether Ramsey will be available against Leicester.
The 25-year-old developed an exciting partnership with Granit Xhaka towards the end of the season. Though Mohamed Elneny also looks to have stepped up his game at the weekend, Ramsey deserves a game.
RWB – ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
The Englishman had been tipped for a move away from The Emirates all summer, but appeared unfazed by the speculation during Arsenal’s Community Shield win.
The Ox has emerged as a superb wing-back in Arsenal colours and is competent on either side.
Bellerin could get the nod, but the Ox is perfect for this position, and he needs to feature somewhere.
