The position envisaged by the Guardian writers: 1st (NB: this is not necessarily Ed Aarons' prediction but the average of our writers' advice)
Last season's position: 2nd
Perspectives
The hangover of ending up like Runners-up behind Manchester City Chelsea have been slower to clear the air this time around, having put so much pressure on Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League. Despite a string of club records, including 35 wins from 52 games, ending the season without a trophy was a bitter pill to swallow for Mikel Arteta and his players after defeats against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich In the space of four days, defeat was fatal. But the new campaign brings fresh hope that a young but experienced side can finally get over the line. Arteta often talks about the “small margins” involved in winning trophies at the highest level and hopes his players can use their disappointment as motivation to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles in 2004.
With the arrival of The extremely talented Riccardo Calafiori The Italian defender, who is set to bolster the Premier League's toughest defence from last season, has the foundations in place. He is expected to solve the problems at left-back, but Arteta must also develop his best midfield combination after the success of record signing Declan Rice in a more advanced role after Christmas, and is Chasing Mikel Merino Arsenal need to strengthen in that area. Kai Havertz’s impressive performances in the new year have calmed the clamour for a striker to be signed, although it remains to be seen whether they will bolster the attack. A back-up to Bukayo Saka, who made almost 60 appearances for club and country last season, would also be a welcome addition for most fans. However, Arteta, having taken four points off City last season, knows his side have the capacity to improve.