Great Expectations
It feels like the disappointing end to the 2021/22 season was yesterday, and yet here we are already on the eve of the new campaign. Another Friday night kick off for the Arsenal, another tricky away tie in London. But for many, a whole different feel about the occasion. When we went to Brentford on match day 1 last season, we had no recognized first choice striker with Aubameyang and Lacazette Covid hit. No Thomas Partey, injured in preseason. Saka not fully fit after a trying Euros tournament. Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and Bernd Leno three of the back 5, with Gabriel absent, no recognized right back available and the Aaron Ramsdale deal not yet completed. It was an understrength lineup on an occasion that was always going to be difficult. Arsenal XI in away defeat to Brentford Compare and contrast to the 11 that started the last two games of preseason, and barring any last minute calamities should start tomorrow, and it is easy to see why a sense of optimism abounds this time a...