Arsenal: The title-challenging return is yet to come

Arsenal have proclaimed their intentions this season: To challenge for the Premier League title. If that is to happen, then the key return is yet to happen. Santi Cazorla could yet turn the fortunes of this team.

Arsenal, in a somewhat overly ambitious manner, proclaimed their intentions loud and clear at last week’s Annual General Meeting. Their claims only supported what they bullishly shouted during the summer: Anything less than a title-challenge is a disappointment.

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Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis, Stan Kroenke and the rest of the board all believe, rightly or wrongly, that this squad is capable of challenging for the title. Certainly, it seems a little naive. There is, of course, a chance that this team can enjoy an unlikely run of form that leads them towards the top of the table. But that is the best case scenario. And a highly improbable one at that.

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Nevertheless, that is the self-ascribed measuring stick that Arsenal will be judged by at the end of the year. It could come back to bite them. However, looking at the season from a purely optimistic and hopeful perspective, what are the things that have to break right for a genuine and sustained title challenge to be enjoyed?

Well, there are many answers to that question. From consistent form and production from a fluid and dynamic front three to avoiding injuries to key players like Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey. However, there is one factor that is often overlooked. And that is not the fault of anyone. Injured players who are not in the playing squad are easy to forget. But if Arsenal are to challenge for the title, then the return of Santi Cazorla will be a major factor.

Although the Spaniard has been injured for over a year and is still not expected to be ready for action until the new year, such is his quality and his influence, that if Arsenal are within touching distance of the title during the closing months of the season, then he will have a major part to play.

The reason being is simple. He has played a major part in the Gunners’ success throughout his North London. Before he suffered his latest injury in October 2016, since the start of the 2013 season, Arsenal had averaged 2.15 points per game. Without Cazorla, that figure dropped, alarmingly, to 1.70 points per game. Quite a difference.

That is merely a broad picture of the impact that Cazorla has on this team. His assurance on the ball, his ability to deal with high pressing midfielders and still distribute accurately and effectively, and his tempo-setting play at the heart of the team all contribute to a remarkably influential and important player.

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A title challenge may seem out of reach for this team. It is certainly towards the higher hopes for the season. But if they are to fight with Manchester City et al., then almost everything must break their way, including the eventual return of one Santi Cazorla.