The Gunners certainly laid on some exhibition football last season, dazzling opponents with their quick passing and movement. It was a blistering start to the Premier League campaign that they’ll hope to recreate this term, especially with a favourable run of opening fixtures.

However, silverware is what Gooners want after three potless seasons, surely they’d rather see their team play ugly and win now and again a la George Graham? The Daily Mirror reports that Joe Cole believes that this pretty football is all very well, but it’s hardly the best way to be champions of England or Europe. How many cups did Chelsea win again last season?

Cole said: “Manchester United and Chelsea have learnt how to win games in different ways, but Liverpool and Arsenal are different.

“They are both great sides on their day, but maybe they don’t win enough games when they don’t play well.

“Both are improving though, and they’ll push us all the way this season.”

Cole was surprised inexperienced Arsenal were title contenders for two thirds of the season, and added: “It did surprise me. The way they started was incredible.

“But people were talking about them like they were the Harlem Globetrotters.

But if you’re an experienced football man you’re thinking: ‘Hold on, there’s a long way to go’. They got tired and their inexperience showed towards the end of the season.

“This season, with a bigger squad and more experience, they’ll be stronger.”

Are Arsenal really stronger than last year, especially with the absence of Hleb and Flamini in midfield? Wenger has spoken about the need for some midfield cover, especially with Nasri currently injured. If something bad happens to Fabregas, the Gunners look short in the middle of the park all of a sudden.

Arsenal fans, do you think your team are lacking a killer instinct to win matches, compared to United and Chelsea?

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