Three ways to back your team: Arsenal
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Wenger given a chance to turn it around
So, the ‘Wenger Out’ banner dragged across the sky was all a massive waste of time and money. Poor Arsenal fans – they suffered a horrible season last time, finishing way down in fifth place and only winning one cup, for a record 13th time.
What most teams would give for a stinker like that. The Gunners board saw sense and kept their French leader in place, for another season at least, and have promised to back him in the summer transfer market as he aims to bring the glory days back to the Emirates. Fancy their chances? We look at three ways to back Arsenal this season.
Arsenal a great price to win the league
Major investment is needed in the playing staff to freshen things up in North London. It’s obvious there is real talent in the dressing room, but they suffered from a lack of confidence for most of last season, getting it in the neck from the stands following some very poor performances in the Champions League. It’s worth remembering though that they missed out on a top-four finish by just one point, behind nearest rivals Liverpool. They also won the FA Cup, again. With that in mind, it wasn’t a million miles away from a good season by their recent standards. Will it be a blessing in disguise? Each of the five teams around them in the table last term all have Champions League football to worry about this time. We think that will make all the difference, and have Arsenal a big shout at 11/1 to win the league.
Coral traders rate a top-four finish
Sticking with that thought and those still in two minds may find joy in the top-four betting. Remember Arsenal’s form for finishing as a top-four side and remember, again, that they were a single point off achieving it last season, we wouldn’t be so quick to write them off. Has Wenger forgotten how to manage a successful side? Of course not. Has he lost the dressing room? Maybe, but the easiest way to fix that is to sell the doubters and bring in young, talented, ambitious players who want to make an impression in English football. It’s not like Arsene hasn’t done that before. The signing of Alexadre Lacazette from Lyon for £46.5m proves two things – The Gunners are still a draw and the board and willing to put their hand in their pocket. Are you confident Liverpool and Manchester United can battle away in Europe and hold Arsenal off in the league? Our traders make a return to the top-four a 5/6 shot.
400/1 the Arsenal treble
Wenger’s form for finishing in the top-four is impressive, his form in the FA Cup equally so. Few gave them a chance of beating Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley in the final earlier this year, but they were convincing winners, and are now the tournament’s most successful side on 13 titles. That includes a winners’ medal in three of the last four years. The gaffer knows how to get the best out of his team in the format, and knockout football seems to suit them perfectly. Will this year be any different? It’ll be a brave punter who’ll say they can’t win it, especially at 7/1. OK, is there any Wenger fans out there crazy enough to back the treble? Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup – that would be some turnaround. 400/1 is available to believers.
