'To only add Petr Cech feels like a gamble' - Arsenal season preview 2015/16

Standard Sport previews Arsenal's 2015/16 Premier League season as Arsene Wenger's men bid to end a 12-year wait for the title.

So has Arsene Wenger got the squad right? The pressure on Wenger to win the title has intensified since Arsenal emerged from the financial constraints born out of their self-funded Emirates Stadium move. The Gunners were strong in the second half of last season but it still feels like a gamble that they have only added Petr Cech to a squad that finished in third place. With money in the bank, Wenger’s decisions to so far not strengthen his defensive midfielders or sign a top class centre-forward are a further example of a faith in his players that must be rewarded this season.

Once Alexis Sanchez is back up to speed following his exertions from the Copa America, he will take his place on the left side of a 4-2-3-1 system with Mesut Ozil operating behind Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott or Danny Welbeck or are fighting to lead the attack, probably in that order. Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal are currently Wenger’s preferred choices at full-back with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker established at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had persistent injury problems which restricted him to just one Premier League start after January 19 but his performance in the Community Shield was a reminder of his considerable talent. With Walcott eyeing a central attacking spot, Oxlade-Chamberlain could make the right wing position his own this year but he is also adept on the left or in a central role. England manager Roy Hodgson remains an admirer and with Euro 2016 on the horizon, the 21-year-old is looking to deliver on his potential.

Gedion Zelalam became the first player to represent Arsenal who was born after he took charge of the club when making his debut in 2013 and has made one appearance since. He featured as a substitute in the Barclays Asia Trophy and can expect a run-out in the Capital One Cup along with Krystian Bielik, the 17-year-old defensive midfielder signed from Legia Warsaw in January.

Winning the title. A top-four finish is a target for most clubs for Arsenal consider it par. Third place constituted progress given they avoided a two-legged Champions League qualifier but Wenger is still at the club to win titles and, 11 years on from their last success, it has to be the aim this year. A lot needs to fall in their favour - an injury-free spell would help no end - but they looked primed to challenge. As ever, the question is whether they can maintain the consistency required over the whole year.

Alexis Sanchez is 16-1 to be the Premier League’s top scorer and Paddy Power will give you a £2 bet each time he scores (terms and conditions apply).