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Arsenal 2018/19 preview: Viera replacement, unity and Emery’s new approach

After missing out on Champions League football last season the Arsenal hierarchy took action in bringing in experienced European manager Unai Emery.

Ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, we caught up with Gunners podcast  to get the low-down on progress made on and off the pitch…

What do you make of your club’s pre-season preparations, both on and off the pitch?

We are very happy with what has happened both on and off the pitch.

There seems to be a more unity between the players and, while the signings the club has made might not be the names supporters were hoping, they arrive in positions that have needed strengthening for several seasons.

Which of your club’s summer signing has you most excited about the new campaign?

Lucas Torreira excites us very much. He looks to be the central midfielder the club has needed many seasons.

We failed to replace Patrick Viera when he left years ago and, while we are not saying that he will reach that level, of the midfielders we have at the club, he looks the most likely to do so..

Coming a close second for best summer signing is the manager, himself. 

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Who’s your club’s young-player-who-could-make-a-breakthrough this season?

Emile Smith Rowe could have a big part to play at Arsenal this season.

He has impressed throughout pre-season with his desire to demand the ball from top senior players and for them to actually give to him with out any hesitation says a lot about the kid.

What will be your club’s biggest factor behind achieving its targets this season?

Unai Emery. Since arriving at the club he has gotten his head down and worked on bringing in the players that he feels the club needed. 

He has brought a huge breath of fresh to Arsenal and the fans are really excited to see him make his managerial debut in the Premier League.

What will be your club’s biggest barrier to achieving its targets this season?

Like always, it will be an injury to a big player and, of course, our budget is much more limited compared to the clubs you would consider our rivals.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Which club outside yours do you think has done the best business this summer?

Liverpool have addressed the weaknesses by spending big money on top players.

They now have a spine which could see them genuinely challenge for the title this year, along with the Champions League. 

Meanwhile, for West Ham to sign one of England’s top midfielders on a free is fantastic business, while the addition of Felipe Anderson has given fans reason to be excited again!

Manuel Pellegrini is going to do a fine job there. 

If you had to pick a six-a-side team from your club’s current squad, who would be in it?

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Finally, how do you think your team will have done come the end of the 2018/19 season?

Hopefully, Arsenal will be up there challenging for the top four once again and it would be nice to see the squad become much more of a collective unit instead of individuals.