So, another Christmas is upon us and we approach this limbo period between looking forwards and reminiscing.

We will all have recent memories of games which have brought joy, but ultimately, there have been too many which touched the other end of the emotive spectrum. Anyone wishing to experience the highs and lows of football fandom could have done worse than keep the company of a Gooner in the last month or two alone! For me, there remains a lack of belief that we can challenge at the highest level. There is no expectation of endless trophies by right, merely that we compete, albeit in increasingly trying circumstances.

What will the next year hold for The Arsenal? We really need to win that Carling Cup. I was, happily, way off when I said at the beginning of the season that Spurs would end our interest in the competition prematurely. Credit to Arsene Wenger for taking the trophy seriously, although needs must.

The final would (with respect to Ipswich, who inflicted my first bitter taste of Cup Final defeat in 1978) dissect the Champions League encounter with Barcelona. If my apprehension at the draw precedes another extended run, I will be delighted. Sadly, with the chaff now removed, there will be no easy games. That this tie was the draw of choice for Arsenal seems to me a little fanciful. Whatever the outcome of the first leg, we can't afford to give less than 100% if we reach Wembley. Previously this term, where a response has been required, too often, we have seen a sulky encore.

I was chuffed with the F A Cup draw. Memories remain of two terminal reverses against Leeds, which handed United titles. Most Cockney Reds would no doubt have expected a bye last year and that should dispel any complacency for us this time around. However, I am hoping that we put Leeds United firmly in their place, as we did when they last came knocking. My only regret should be that my father-in-law couldn't enjoy the day out: such is an accountant's lot in January!

In a league which supposedly offers more shocks than a teen slasher movie, the rules mirror life in general: money talks. Truthfully, if you offered me fourth place now and the Carling Cup, I would bite your hand off just below the shoulder. Defeatist? With Vermaelen unlikely to play this season and only bargain basement shopping (if any!) promised, I would argue that it is realistic. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Arsene Wenger waited until we topped the table before pronouncing that no money would be spent in January… unless anyone leaves. Given the wage bill, commensurate with other top sides; but dissimilar in every other respect, this seems entirely possible. I have previously proven, were proof needed, that there is usually a surplus of sales over purchases. There are some candidates for the departures lounge: Almunia, Clichy, Bendtner, Rosicky, Denilson and Vela perhaps being the most obvious, to my mind, if the money variously suggested on offer were tabled.

Speculation has become less fun in recent years; with a reticence and erstwhile inability to buy superstars. Ah, but we make them! There is a great deal of promise within the current crop of youth; but to labour the point, there has to be a blend and balance. Arsene Wenger has been placed under more scrutiny and pressure than at any time during his reign at Arsenal. Should there be any change in ownership, which is of primary concern taking in the bigger picture, then that pressure might intensify beyond all expectation. For this reason more than any other, I have been thinking about what might follow the Wenger era. It will happen at some point – there is no purpose in becoming paranoid given its inevitability – I merely wonder at the potential catalyst and aftermath. My suspicion is that there may be defining changes within the next twelve months – owing more to gut feeling than confirmed information.

Adding some perspective, Arsene Wenger and the Board have achieved minor miracles in pioneering the move to the new stadium and raising the bar at Arsenal. However, there is no point in reaching for the stars if you are not prepared to fly. Having made the transition, the Club now need to move forward, or risk falling behind. I do believe that it is possible, but not without a surrender of stubbornly held doctrine and sensible investment.

Better use of resources could also promote vast improvement. I would stick with Wojciech Szczesny for the remainder of the season – I think that he has the potential to be one of the greats. Equally, if we are to utilise Lauren Koscielny properly, I would ask him to drop as a sweeper in a back five. Unlikely as it is, this would allow more cover for when the full backs charge forward, take the pressure off Song, and play to his strengths as an exponent of the “nicked” tackle. To do that, we would need to buy A N Other to strengthen the squad, with three out of four or five playing regularly. I would also rotate Cesc, Nasri and Wilshere, rather than play them in tandem, introducing Emmanuel Thomas gradually to add steel and challenge Song.

Following the postponement against Stoke City (whose supporters I might have had sympathy for were it not for their idiotic chants during that game), the Phoney Russian Franchise are next up. Gah! If anything is likely to ruin the festive period, it is that. The game at Manchester City was the exception to the rule – it is about time we dealt with these sides… confident?

Still, that is not until 27 December. In the interim, we could all do worse than to forget the trials and tribulations for a few days and enjoy the company of our nearest and dearest – ultimately, as Bob Wilson repeated so poignantly in his autobiography, we have to “remember what is important and what is not”. Whatever our opinions as Gooners, we all harbour the deep burning desire to see the Club prosper and succeed – quite how we might get there is the subject of endless debate. Drawing from the hugely enjoyable Fever Pitch film, I recall Colin Firth’s character reflecting that “Every now and then, you catch a glimpse of a world that doesn’t begin in August and end in May”. Guilty as charged!

If you will excuse the aside, for this Gooner, on a personal level, 2010 has brought some significant changes, challenges and future aspirations. Thanks and love to Mrs tfg and my wonderful family and also best wishes to my dear friends, wherever they may be.

For now, I would like to offer Season’s Greetings to one and all and to hope that 2011 yields a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year… both on and off the pitch!