This article is written based on the judgement of the team in pre-season so far and how new signings have performed.

The Gunners have been very good during the summer, unbeaten so far and moving the ball sharply, creating some decent openings. Carlos Vela’s goal yesterday was the pick of the bunch.

With a summer of transfer talks rumbling on about Cesc and the infinite amount of players linked with the club, the only worry for me has been the defence. In attack, Arsenal look good and have a great new forward in Marouane Chamakh.

The Moroccan demonstrated he can hold the ball well and can be a threat in the air. He had good composure when slotting his first goal from the penalty spot. But he will have to fight as for me, Bendtner is ahead of him.

Sol Campbell looks set to leave Arsenal for Newcastle, this leaves Arsenal one body short at the back. Koscielny has been a brilliant acquisition. He is strong and fast but his real test will come against AC Milan this Saturday. Djourou has been awesome so far, in the right place at the right time but his fitness worries me. Yesterday he went off injured, let’s hope it is not a serious one as Arsene Wenger confirmed.

The goalkeeper situation needs to be fixed quickly. If Arsene wants a new number one then a new keeper should be brought soon. But Mannone once again demonstrated how good he is. I like the kid. He had a mind-blowing game against Fulham last year.

However, the most impressive signings of the season are the return of Jack Wilshere and the integration of Emmanuel Frimpong and Emmanuel-Thomas to the first team.

Wilshere needs to stay.

He was for me the best performer in the first half. He played centrally and controlled the midfield. His touches are world class and he is always aware of what is around him. His dribbling ability has improved and he is ready to be a regular for the club.

Frimpong is an animal. He does his job with a hint of fearlessness about him. He is very strong and is not scared to get stuck in.

Emmanuel-Thomas, well reminds you of anyone? For me he is the replacement for Adebayor. A strong striker who scores great goals and will use his power effectively.

With these players looking ready for first team, Denilson, Vela and Walcott need to step up. Walcott did not have the best of games even though he scored. I really worry for him. He needs to find the confidence to make him ruthless again like his Southampton days.

Carlos Vela must take his chances or risk leaving the club just like Eduardo did. It was sad for Ed to leave the club, but his injury has affected him. He needs to play football and Arsenal have lots of good forwards at the moment. He was never going to become a first choice striker. Arsenal need a decent number nine!

With all that said, Arsenal’s real test is the Emirates Cup. After Saturday and Sunday, we will know how ready this team is to challenge for the title.