The Curtain Raiser: Everton Away

So it begins...

The season begins in just over 12 hours and we face as tough a test as ever: the mighty Everton in their domain. With the season not even started there is a lot of negativity in the press with the annual Fabregas to Barcelona rumours pulsating and the "Arsenal will lose its fourth place spot and end up trophyless" comments throbbing. There is much to be positive about though. The signing of Thomas Vermaelen and the return of Eduardo and the delayed return of Tomas Rosicky are things to be gleeful for.

Key Battles to watch:
Vermaelen vs Saha- Thomas Vermaelen looks to be an immense defender and will be able to prove himself tomorrow. Saha will be a difficult test for Vermaelen.

Fellaini and Cahill vs Song and Fabregas- Fabregas' creativity and playmaking will be watched closely by Fellaini while that of Cahill will be marked by Song.

Van Persie vs Lescott
Van Persie will look to start his season strong and he will be marked by one of the best English defenders.

Arshavin vs Tim Howard
Arshavin will be Tim Howard's biggest problem and there is not much the American's defense can do to stop the phenomenal Russian.

Prediction: 1-2 to the Arsenal.
Won't be able to predict the goals but I expect the Gunners to star the season off with a bang at Goodison Park.

The Summer

So I start my blog on the eve before the new season.

This summer has understandably worried fans as they saw players like Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor off to Manchester City and only signing Vermaelen. Gooners should not worry as Kolo Toure had not touched the same form since he picked up his injury at the African Cup of Nations and he was a wantaway since January with Manchester City the suitors the whole time. Adebayor had had one great season and one horrible season and seemed disinterested since he signed his new and fat contract. With Eduardo coming back to full fitness, the Gunners have enough firing power up front.

There is still a possibility of signing Brede Hangeland, who could patch up some defensive weakness we may have.... More to follow...