The Key Men - Which Stars Will Have To Perform This Season?

After a new Premier League season kicked off this month, we take a biref glance into which stars will have to perform in order for their team to succeed this campaign.

Arsenal

Santi Carzola had a fantastic debut season for the Gunners, scoring 12 goals and making 11 assists in 38 Premier league appearances.  Since Arsenal struggle with consistency, Carzola will once again need to be the man who keeps their attacks alive with his exceptional vision and footballing knowledge.  This means that Jack Wilshere must be the  man in the middle for Arsenal, supporting in both attack and defense, while maintaining his holding role in the centre of the park.

Chelsea

After two excellent seasons at Stamford Bridge, Juan Mata must continue to plug away at opposition defences with more goals and assists, as well as being Chelsea’s link-man between defense and attack.  He will be feeling the pressure to succeed, and he knows that many Chelsea fans rely on him.  Petr Cech will, again, be key to the the Blues' title challenge.

Tottenham

Gareth Bale is reported to be leaving for Real Madrid, but if he does stay at the club, unlikely I know, he will be desperate to show what he can do, and  Spurs fans will hope that the media controversy will not affect his performance.  Meanwhile new signing Paulinho could prove to be the main link between attack and defence, replacing Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone.

Manchester United

Robin van Persie had a thunderous start last season, but tailed off in the towards the end, so he must ensure that he keeps his form consistent this season.  He will be the man to score a lot of United’s goals, and it is essential that he is supported well. His two goals in United's opener against Swansea suggests that he is on his way for another rasping season.

However, Danny Welbeck will be crucial.  With Wayne Rooney seeming to be a lost cause, Welbeck will be next in line to support van Persie in the “holding striker” role. And while Hernandez plays in a similar role to van Persie, it's likely that he will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Manchester City

Vincent Kompany is hailed by some as the best defender in the league at the moment, and if City are to mount a significant title challenge, he has to be on top form throughout the season.  He must continue to show great leadership skills, and must organise a team with new faces, on and off the pitch. It was a major blow, then, when he went off injured against Newcasltle last week. Hopefully, for City fans, it won't be a long stint on the sidelines.

Yaya Toure is the key man though.  He has many attributes which could contribute to a very all-rounded Man City side, but his key attribute is his strength, as it contributes to his attacking and defending abilities.  If he remains fit, the City could be a serious threat.