Watching Arsenal trying to play their way through games from January to March reminded me of giving birth. It was painful, protracted, at times you wanted to holler to the heavens and give up. Rationally you knew something positive was going to emerge from those ailing loins but emotionally you wanted to curl up and die. Boy, was it hard going. Talk about needing gas and air. Some of us needed plentiful supplies of painkillers, too.

The recipient of most of the malcontent was Denilson. The poor lad was hyped up to fill the void left by Cesc’s injury. But let’s be honest: Denilson is not Fabregas. The gripe the baying masses had with Denilson seemed to be a microcosm of the general feeling of discontent about the team.

We Gooners have been spoiled, particularly by the 2004 Unbeatables. We still harbour fantastical notions that the 2004 team could be replicated into the current crop. Think about it. It’s like trying to squeeze a Rolls Royce into a clapped out old Mini; like buying economy eggs and, by garnishing them with the odd bit of parsley, hoping they will look and taste like caviar. It’s not possible. And Denilson is not Fabregas and cannot do Fabregas’ work. It’s as simple as that. But having Fabregas back means that Denilson is able to do what he does well. Gilberto-like, without a fuss, he mops and sweeps the floor, clearing the debris and rubbish and this allows Fabregas to strut his stuff across a now spotless surface. No one applauds the horse after the Lord Mayor has gone, but there certainly is a function for that equine creature and we would know about it if it wasn’t there. Likewise, no one necessarily goes to see Denilson, but we certainly need him.

Similarly, Song‘s game has improved and with these two workmanlike water carriers fetching and carrying, our creative players are well lubricated and can perform to their potential. It would appear as if the drought has evaporated, leaving us with a clear and calm oasis from which we can again drink greedily. (Gosh, the Easter holidays are certainly doing my head in).

Perhaps I am slightly bonkers but I am excited about Song and Denilson and I would be disappointed if Wenger succumbed to any pressure to buy a defensive midfield player because he has two already.

I believe that the difficult labour we all groaned and struggled through has yielded a fine new specimen; sure, it’s in its embryonic stage, but it’s up to us to nurture and love it and watch it grow until it matures into the Arsenal: Champions of Europe.