The discussion around Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League title in the 2023/2024 season is multifaceted, with several reasons being cited for why they might not secure the title.
1. Strengthening of Rivals
One of the key reasons is the strengthening of the top six Premier League teams. The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United will be looking to bring in new players in January to improve their squads.
This increased competition could pose a substantial challenge for Arsenal in maintaining their top position in the league.
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2. Champions League Commitments
Arsenal's participation in the Champions League is another factor that could impact their Premier League performance. While playing in the Champions League is less physically demanding than the Europa League (due to earlier match days in the week), the level of competition is much higher.
This could lead to fatigue on the players, potentially affecting their performance in domestic competitions.
3. Need for Reliable Firepower
Although Arsenal scored many goals last season, concerns have been raised about their striking options. With possible changes in their attacking lineup and the need for consistent goal scorers, there's a risk that Arsenal might not replicate their previous season's goal-scoring form, which could impact their title chances.
4. Loss of Surprise Element
Arsenal's impressive performance in the previous season means that they will no longer be under the radar. Other Premier League teams are now more aware of Arsenal's capabilities and might be better prepared when facing them, potentially making it harder for Arsenal to dominate as they did.
5. Increased Pressure and Expectations
The success of their previous campaign has significantly raised expectations for Arsenal. This increased pressure could potentially affect the team's performance, especially in critical matches where the stakes are high.
Additional Considerations
Depth and Novelty: Arsenal's squad depth is seen as inferior to some of their rivals like Manchester City. Additionally, the novelty of being in a title race is new for many of Arsenal's players, which could affect their performance under pressure.
Away Games: Arsenal's performance in away games, especially against top teams, will be crucial. They have challenging fixtures ahead, including matches at Anfield and the Etihad Stadium.