Despite key exits, Arsenal can still have a great season

Having allowed Kolo Toure's genuine pace to leave, Arsenal's central defence will be more vulnerable to balls played behind them, while the lack of Emmanuel Adebayor's aerial prowess leaves the Gunners short on options should their intricate passing become nullified.

And although new centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is an intelligent player, he has yet to demonstrate he is the defensive colossus Arsenal have lacked since Sol Campbell left in 2006.

However, having watched all of their pre-season games there is cause for optimism.

Wenger is using a different system to ensure they are stronger in central midfield, with Alexandre Song playing slightly deeper behind Cesc Fabregas and either Abou Diaby, Denilson or Aaron Ramsey.

Not only have they looked harder to penetrate but they have dominated possession through their ability to combine fluently.

It has also allowed Fabregas to determine how he can maximise his attacking effectiveness.

Depending on the opposition's tactics, one game he will continue to make forward runs, the next he will find space deeper to dictate the play, with the other two players in the midfield formation adjusting their positions to compensate.

There has also been a change to their attacking formation.

In most games Robin van Persie has led the line, with Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner playing in wider areas.

All three have looked on top of their game both as individuals and in combination.

Wenger will also be pleased with Eduardo and Jack Wilshere, who have shown their qualities as a brilliant finisher and dribbler respectively.

He also has the pace of Theo Walcott to call upon but if the young winger is to have an impact this season, he must develop more consistency.

For Arsenal to mount a challenge for the Premier League title and progress to the later stages of the Champions League, they will have to improve defensively from last term.

There have been some encouraging signs in pre-season.

The determination, organisation and athleticism to win the ball back quickly after losing possession was brilliant during the Emirates Cup and their pressing game has been well drilled and relentless.

However, two areas where Arsenal were weak last year, holding too high an offside line when opponents had time on the ball and an inability to defend set-plays, have shown signs of reappearing. They must rectify these problems.

Of course, Arsenal will need Fabregas, Arshavin and Van Persie to be at their best but it is equally vital that the younger players like Song, Denilson, Diaby, Walcott and Johan Djourou have developed considerably.

The key player for Wenger, though, will be William Gallas. The former captain performed heroically in the big matches last season but on many occasions it was his insistence to gamble on playing offside and his lack of dominance at set-plays that caused Arsenal defensive problems.

He will need to excel individually while also organising those around him if Arsenal are to win something.

If Arsenal can start with a flourish, I believe they will be in contention in all competitions but, just like two years ago, they may just fall short again.