Arsenal pipped rivals Tottenham to a second place finish last season, as they once again finished above their rivals and maintained a spot in the top four for 20th consecutive season.

It was a roller-coaster season as Arsenal looked like genuine title contenders early on - especially after they beat leaders Leicester 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in dramatic style - before a horrid collapse and eventual run of steady results saw them creep into second place by the skin of their teeth.

The finish was their best in over a decade, but Arsenal fans were torn as to whether or not to be disappointed that their side didn't capitalise on their best chance of winning a title in years.

In order to try and build upon the near success of last season, Arsene Wenger signed a number of players in this summer's transfer window, most notably Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi from Borussia Monchengladbach and Valencia respectively for fees of around £35m each. The Gunners also secured the services of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez for an undisclosed fee and also signed young defender Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers.

After heavy investment, however, Arsene Wenger's side have started the season slowly with an opening day defeat to Liverpool, followed by a fortunate draw at Leicester and finally a win at hapless Watford.

At FFC we think the signs thus far do not bode well for the Gunners, and that they could find themselves finishing outside the top four for the first time since 1995 this campaign. Here are THREE reasons why .....

Panic Buying

Arsenal fans have been screaming out for their manager to invest heavily this summer as he has done in the past with both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

On some level, Arsene Wenger delivered as three big money signings came to the Emirates before the window closed, however, we can't help but feel that this summer's signings seem more of a desperate plea to appease the Arsenal faithful rather than well thought through ones that align with the club's needs.

Granit Xhaka is a good signing for the Gunners, but Shkodran Mustafi? Did Arsene Wenger watch him at this summer's EUROs? And Lucas Perez? Arsenal need an out-and-out centre forward, not an uncapped Spaniard with a questionable goalscoring record. As for Rob Holding, why was Calum Chambers sent on loan if they need a young English centre-half? Poor business if you were to ask me.

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Lack of Character

Arsenal's lack of a Patrick Vieira figure in their midfield, or a Tony Adams in defence, is obvious for the world to see, but Arsene Wenger refuses to acknowledge this on any level.

Instead of signing a player who will galvanise others, and lead his, at times, mentally weak side through tough games, Wenger continues to sign a very similar mould of player - fantastic on the ball, but with personalities that make Roy Hodgson and Michael Owen look like Brian Blessed.

Arsenal need a leader, and the lack of one over the past decade has contributed hugely to their downfall in fortunes in the Premier League. Chelsea have John Terry, City Vincent Kompany, United Wayne Rooney and Liverpool, until recently, Steven Gerrard. Arsenal have Per Mertesacker, which says it all.

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Improving Others

Last year was arguably Arsenal's best shot at a title in years, as many of the big teams failed to perform. Chelsea were out of the race before Christmas, Manchester City ultimately couldn't deliver in the latter half of the season and United were nowhere to be seen down in fifth.

Credit to Leicester as always, but it was the year, and other teams know that. Almost every big side in the league (except Tottenham) has strengthened significantly this summer - whether it be in a change of management or bringing in the right players - to help them build upon last season.

In comparison, Arsene Wenger has stood still, and his side look no different to the outfit of last season. Watch as United, City, Chelsea and Leicester overtake them and the Gunners stare hopelessly at the back of their shirts.

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