All in all, a good pre-season

Last season wasn't exactly an unmitigated disaster, but unless you were on the moon, the unmistakeable rumblings of unsatisfied fans were getting uncomfortably loud. Dust had settled in the trophy cabinets and even Arsène Wenger's future at Arsenal was being debated.

Besides the team's lack of competitiveness in both league and cup, there were more than a few pressing concerns to address as the season ended. Going into the World Cup, yet another big question mark emerged as club captain Cesc Fabregas was linked repeatedly to the smug Catalans over at Barcelona. The transfer saga bothered on the ludicrous at times, and even with Wenger insisting that he would use all his powers of persuasion to reason with his student did little to quell the rumours. But more on that later.

If one thing stood out from last season's campaign, Arsenal's lack of a first class goalkeeper proved telling as first Manuel Almunia and then his understudy Lukasz Fabianski failed to deliver. Almunia started the season as the number one custodian, but his error-prone displays in goal led to Fabianski being given a chance to step up. Not even in Almunia's wildest dreams would he have imagined that the young Pole would plumb new depths, his nervousness not helped by constantly picking the ball out from inside the net. Fabianski's ineptitude in goal, especially from corners led to opponents gleefully bombarding the Arsenal goal area and picking up the spoils. Third choice goalkeeper Vito Mannone was at best serviceable, but is surely one for the future rather than the first choice keeper Arsenal needs right now in order to prove genuine title challengers.

The second, and no less pressing issue was in defence. Thomas Vermaelen's signing proved an astute one, but with Philippe Senderos remaining persona-non-grata, Mikael Silvestre fading badly and Johan Djourou a long-term injury victim, backup was sorely needed. Sol Campbell's resigning offered respite, but at 35, was surely no more than a stop-gap solution. William Gallas's form returned after being stripped of the captaincy, but rumours of his destabilising effect in the dressing room persisted.

Injuries played a huge part in the campaign too, with Robin van Persie missing a large part of the season. Arsenal fans have long grown used to the curse that seems to follow the Dutch striker around. van Persie goes down injured at the most inopportune of times, usually after going on a great run of form that has him compared to some of his distinguished predecessors including one legendary D.Bergkamp. Kieran Gibbs's unfortunate injury meant Armand Traore deputised for Gaël Clichy early in the season too to mixed results. Aaron Ramsey's broken leg was yet another setback for the Arsenal midfield, as Tomas Rosicky struggled on his return to first team football. Eduardo too seemed to have lost that vital first step on his return from injury.

Now, on the opening day of the new Premier League season, things have taken on a much more rosy hue. Arsène Wenger's announcement today that he had committed to the club till 2014 was as much a shot in the arm as Fabregas's announcement a week earlier that he was staying at the club.

"My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware. My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver."

While his assertions that this Arsenal team are ready to challenge for honours could be but early season bravado, all the signs are pointing to a fresh start this season. Wenger has traditionally waited till near the end of his contract before signing new terms, but this show of commitment could be telling as the team goes into the new season.

While niggling injuries to some of the club's key players persist, reinforcements and the sparkling form of some of Arsenal's youth products means there's a whiff of optimism in the air. Deadwood has been cleared from defence, with Senderos, Silvestre, Gallas and Campbell not being offered new deals by management. Gibbs is back and ready to challenge Clichy for the left back spot while Laurent Koscielny arrives from the French Ligue 2. While he remains somewhat of an unknown quantity, he should be alright as long as he doesn't emulate his countryman Pascal Cygan. Djourou's continuing struggle for fitness means he's likely to be thrown in at the deep end against Liverpool tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere's form for Arsenal in the pre-season earned him his first England cap. While his promise was already pointed out last season, he seems to have improved since we last saw him and will prove extremely helpful in central midfield given Ramsey's absence. Emmanuel Frimpong was yet another youth player who impressed in the friendlies and could yet feature in the first team this season. Defensive midfield is also covered with Alex Song's emergence as a midfield enforcer and should get even better this season. Samir Nasri too, will get another chance to show more than glimpses of his ability alongside Fabregas.

In attack, the acquisition of Marouane Chamakh means we have an alternative aerial threat apart from the Nicklas Bendtner. Chamakh was linked to Arsenal as early as last summer, but has finally arrived at the Emirates on a free transfer. A forward in the mould of Emmanuel Adebayor (or he who shall not be named again, if you will), Chamakh is good in the air as well as on the ground. While Wenger's distaste for target men is renowned, he seems to have made an exception for tall strikers who can play on the ground too, as evidenced by his signings over the past few seasons. Because if there's one thing Carlos Vela can't do, that's challenge for a high ball.

All that remains for Arsène Wenger to do in his rebuilding efforts is to replace Almunia and Fabianski in goal. While one of the two will surely appear against Liverpool, developments at Fulham mean Mark Schwarzer could very well be heading over to Arsenal. The commanding Australian keeper is in the form of his life, and will no doubt be a very good signing if he does end up in red and white.

A win at Anfield would be the icing on what could be a very delicious cake for Arsenal supporters this season.

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