Yes, and we've had a decade of stadium repayments while the billionaires run amok. Those financial constraints are now lifted, Wenger has started spending money and the difference has been obvious. 2 trophies in 2 years after years of nothing.
Any 'glaring holes' in his management methods were there a decade ago when he was winning titles.
Wenger has shown he can still win us trophies (something most of us had started to doubt) and we've shown as a squad we can stand up in the big games.
For two thirds of last season we matched Chelsea stride for stride, we've yet to do it for a whole season but we're good enough, IMO.
If we had a proper, top striker we'd have a very good chance. Even as it is we've got the squad to compete.
I don't know about 15 points, but Cech will make a difference IMO, there's no reason to think we won't go very close this year.