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The 2008/09 Premier League season kicked off with an understanding that every points count in what could possibly be the tightest race yet. What better than to see Arsenal beginning their campaign with a bang against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

In the 4th minute, debutante Samir Nasri scored to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead with a cool sidefoot finish after West Brom’s defense were exposed by sleek passing and an excellent Denilson’s cut-back proved decisive. Arsene Wenger fielded a youthful team, bereft of Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure but still outplayed West Brom handily.

Just when it seems the Baggies may accept their fate meekly, the second half presented a different scenario. Arsenal’s confidence gave way to nervy defending and a counter-attack strategy. If not for a double clearance off the line five minutes into the second half, West Bromwich could have sneaked an unexpected point.

Arsenal’s unconvincing performance mirrored an earlier 2-0 victory in the Champions League qualifier against FC Twente and indicates a worrying lack of killer instinct and tactical awareness in the young Gunners.

Wenger said “I don’t think we were sharp enough to finish what we created. I know we are not making headlines with big names but it is what we produce on the pitch which is important.”

In case anybody thought West Brom will be the whipping boys, they clinched the Championship title with style last season, winning most matches and scoring most goals. Under Tony Mowbray, West Brom favored attacking football backed by an effective passing game. Mowbray even declared his ambitions by rejecting a 17th spot (barely avoiding relegation) as a failure, words which newly promoted managers will hesitate to utter.

Just as well that the youthful Arsenal team got a taste of what is to come in this competitive season and whether their pre-season preparations will stand them in good stead.

At the moment, the elusive fourth Premier League title doesn’t seem ready to make its way back to the Emirates Stadium. Will Arsenal fans accept another season of being a bridesmaid while the other Big Four members opened up the gap? The past two years had already been disappointments when they languished in 4th and 3rd place respectively.

The manner in which Arsenal surrendered their superior lead in March this year has been excruciating for their fans but nobody bayed for Arsene Wenger’s blood knowing that a cruel combination of luck, injuries and inexperience had undone their title charge.

In all fairness, it was an acceptable report card, as the Gunners conceded three games, finished 4 points behind champions Manchester United and reached the Champions League quarter finals where Liverpool eliminated them, despite Arsenal playing the better football.

I believe the fact that Arsenal’s mental fortitude took flight when it counted will not be lost on other Premier League teams. They know how to hit Arsenal where it hurts and they will dish out more of the same punishment this season. A physical approach and in-your-face defense to limit the Gunners time and space on the ball has yielded positive results for them.

The critical question for Arsene Wenger is whether he can turn his weaknesses into strength and bridge the gap with an even less experienced squad. The golden quartet of Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb, Gilberto Silva and Jens Lehmann had left, while Emmanuel Adebayor’s loyalty wavered for weeks and would certainly do a Thierry Henry if the right conditions prevailed.

Do Arsenal have enough strength in depth to last an arduous campaign instead of crumbling at the run-in? Wenger refused to budge from his policy of recruiting promising young talents rather than established superstars which threaten to break the bank. He did reveal his wish of securing at least one more signing before the transfer window closes.

In the past few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with several targets - Udinese’s £8million-rated Swiss international Gokhan Inler, Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, Xabi Alonso of Liverpool and Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal defender Kolo.

However, nothing concrete emerged from all the rumors. Throw into the equation the possibility that some potential targets are now cup-tied and would not be available for the Champions League games, the recruitment process become even more tenuous.

Wenger admitted: “It is a concern and something I will consider. I feel the player loses value if he is not eligible for the Champions League. You cannot sell a player at the same price. Every club will consider that. I have a shortlist, but the list was always short.”

After analyzing Arsenal’s recent performances, I believe several experienced players are needed to bolster the squad. The defense could do with an overhaul after conceding weak goals when a demanding season took its toil, and the frontline will also benefit from another established poacher.

Eduardo will be sitting out the better half of this season and Adebayor does not have the Premier League in his long-term plans. Robin van Persie is too injury-prone and other forwards like Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela are more suited to be cast in the supporting role.

Since Wenger abhors any signings in the January transfer window, we can expect no reinforcement to shore up the squad once this transfer window closes. Manchester United are still in the hunt for Dimitar Berbatov and Chelsea are showing a lethal edge under the guidance of Scolari.

To offer any respectable resistance, Arsenal had to open up their wallets to secure the high-profile players fast. Finding diamonds in the rough can be left for other days.

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