These kinds of would have/could have/may have arguments conveniently ignore the nature of causality, and I do not want to make it seem like I think Arsenal should have won the league last season; rather, I want to highlight the reactionary nature of the common summer proclamation that Arsenal is vulnerable. If you go position-by-position on their roster, you will see this team is far less vulnerable than the squad which almost dethroned United last year.

At the back, the goaltending issues which dogged Arsene Wenger last season are settled. Jens Lehmann and his oh-so-bright view of his world have gone to Stuttgart while Manuel Almunia has been given the job. He will be helped by a return to health from Bacary Sagna, whose ankle injury last season at Stamford Bridge culminated Arsenal’s dramatic fall from the league’s lead. William Gallas, the club’s captain, should also be improved this season, unlikely to replicate the up-and-down nature that defined last season.

In the middle, Arsenal will deploy a player who might prove to be the league’s best by season’s end. Cesc Fabregas broke through to become a true superstar last season, and there is no reason, at his age, he will not continue to improve. At the end of last season he hit a wall erected by the combination of fatigue and inexperience. If he can navigate those obstacles, Fabregas, whose game seems perfect for the Premiership, will be better than last season.

It is the middle, though, where Arsenal’s detractors note the club’s weaknesses. The team lost Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb, two important contributors to last season’s success. To replace Flamini, Arsenal is relying on a smooth transition of Abu Diaby into the holding role. He will share time with Brazilian prospect Denilson. Hleb has been replaced by a combination of Theo Walcott, proving he’s ready for a prime role, and Samir Nasri, the club’s marquee summer acquisition.

Even if those two are not up to the job, Arsenal’s depth in midfield is incredible. Emmanuel Eboue will be used when a more defensive-minded winger is needed. Aaron Ramsey, the acclaimed seventeen year old bought from Cardiff City, has already made a Champions League appearance in the middle. Those two can hold down positions until Arsenal get back two world class talents from injury.

Pundits seem to forget about Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo de Silva, both of whom can be deployed on the wings. Each have been out with long-term injuries, but both are set to return before December. Rosicky could be back within the next two months. These are two elite players whose injuries scuttled last season’s title hopes. Their return will provide the kind of depth which will prevent Arsenal from the same spring collapse suffered last season.

Up top, Emmanuel Adebayor will not replicate last season’s output. We are predicting a drop all the way to 16 goals, still an impressive number. The improved health of Robin van Persie, who only started 13 league matches last year, will help make-up for the drop. Van Persie is as technically proficient a player as there is the world. If he stays healthy, could be the best second striker in the league. If he doesn’t, Arsenal will still have Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner as options.

For Arsene Wenger, it is an embarrassment of riches, and while experts have spent the summer providing him with enough, there should be no excuses at the Emirates this season. They have the depth to compete for every trophy, and we expected them to win at least one. While that trophy may not be the league, it won’t be for lack of talent.  They are essentially our co-favorites to win the league.