Being the nostalgic soul I am, I decided to make my first watch of 2009 “The Premiership Years: 2003-04” on Sky Sports. Although listening to the dangerously attractive tones of Georgie Thompson for two hours provided me with a momentary happiness, the long-lasting feeling which surfaced during the final highlight reel was obvious: emptiness. I can now honestly say, after watching two hours of Pires, Vieira, DB10 and co, that I know what Rachel Stevens felt like when she lost the dancing - pure, unfiltered emptiness.

The lack of team spirit in our current squad is comical. Can you see Gallas and RVP, for instance, having a beautiful embrace after scoring (that would be a start!) in the same way that Unbeatables, such as Wiltord and Henry (Boro Away, 4-0) did? Unfortunately, I can’t, and that’s perhaps why a lot of Arsenal fans have become rather disillusioned with the current state of affairs: there is no passion. We lack a unity, a bond, a strength; I remember watching the team of the era, seeing their team huddle, and knowing that something special was going to happen. Sure we had rough patches (Man Ure away, Liverpool home) but even then, shepherded at the back by a vocal Sol, a hardnut Monkeyface, and a promising Toure (who isn’t constantly tired), we were able to hold firm, especially thanks to Henry and our Flying Dutchman, but also due to the midfield goals of Pires, Freddie and PV4. Vieira was a constant inspiration, and when he was off-colour, there was Mr Consistent, Gilberto. Experience is the well-publicised, well-documented component which has not been transferred into the promising squad of today, but surely equally as important as this is some kind of unity? We currently have a squad of promising individuals - the likes of Chelsea have proved that this can work in the short term - but not a first TEAM, and to ensure that this bunch of youngsters are able to truly bloom, we need a cohesion and a bond which unites the team with a will to win trophies.

That starts with Arsene. I have been graced (unfortunately, in some people’s eyes), with the belief that Arsene knows, always. But if there was one suggestion I would make to Le Professor, it would be to sort out our priorities. The way to unite the players, after a strong kick up the backside (don’t get any ideas, Cashley - a KICK) is to issue them with a challenge - be it Europe, Wembley, or the league. Looking back to the last Gooner calendar (this year’s looks to be another cracker by the way), I recall a pre-2003/4 Wenger issuing the farcical challenge to go a whole term without loss. While pundits laughed, or played on their Nintendos (I hate you Jamie), our players reflected, and suddenly began thinking that their boss’ suggestion was possible, and were bonded by a determination to never lose a game. We need to get this back, to get back that fire to perform, to be the best, something which has been weaned out of the team, and the fans, who have been forced to compromise for fourth, or to a semi. I can’t for one second believe that these players, at heart, are as mercenary as they are currently showing, but I do feel that something needs to happen for them to rediscover their passion for the game.

This something, in my opinion, is a greater competition for places. An esteemed Gooner acquaintance of mine interestingly suggested that we lost touch this year due to the 6-1 demolition of Sheffield United in the League Cup. While this seems to be an outrageous claim, allow me to explain. The Carling Cup’s status as the kid’s cup has become as clear as the tinkering with our stadium attendances, with the talented bunch of youngsters focused, determined and purposeful in their play. They know that if they work hard enough, “and show enough quality”, as Arsene would say, then they will have the chance to play for silverware. The other side of this coin, however, dictates that the first-team regulars have become unattainable - knowing that this oddly-shaped cup (Google it) has become the place for the reserves, the starting players have become complacent and untouchable - but unfortunately not unbeatable.

Instead of looking at these performances by the inspired kids and thinking “I better shift up a gear or risk losing my place”, the notoriety of the Carling Cup as the boot camp for our boys has caused regulars to firmly rest on their laurels, safe in knowledge that Arsene doesn’t truly trust the young guns. While I’m not suggesting that our midfield should immediately be dictated by a player scarcely older than I am (while my two-month superior Wilshere is warming up, I’m usually scoffing a full English with extra black pudding) I am asking Arsene to have faith and throw them in - 20 minutes at the end will do no harm. Wenger brought Vela on against Pompey and immediately, the contrast was stark - we looked dangerous, urgent, and quick (hurry back Theo!). The likes of Adebayor, Denilson and Nasri need to know they have pressure behind them, to know they aren’t secure, and as a result, work hard to maintain their place.

Of course, this requires a little bit of squad reinforcement in the window (although I wouldn’t hold my breath!). I shall leave player recommendations to the others who contribute to this fine establishment (long live The Gooner) but my message is clear: unify the team to one goal, stick to it, and make sure the players know their place is not secure.

Long live the Unbeatables.
Keep the Faith.