My Online Gooner friends seem to be largely in a slough of despond currently, and I do not understand why. Seven years without a trophy? I remember barren periods as long as this, and some truly dismal football in the past. The last season was NOT boring. But the sun is currently shining, so to try and accentuate the positive, here are my Top 9 reasons why Gooners should be feeling not-totally-devastated at the moment
1. We finished third in the League FFS.
Following a dismal start to the season, having lost our two most influential midfielders to big-spending clubs, and a young talisman to long-term injury. A midfield brutally shorn of its talent from the previous season, and we still managed to beat everyone other than the Manc clubs – “A poor league” I hear people say – since when has competitive football, with all teams able to beat each other, made it a poor league? We lost 10 games and shipped 49 goals – we cannot be this bad again. And surely we will not lose all full backs, play-making-midfielders and be so reliant on one man for goals again.
2. Robin Van Persie: Outstanding season.
As I write this on 23 May, we still hold Robin’s contract, and his destiny is in the hands of the Club – if we want to keep him one more season, we can. But if he goes, good luck – and £20m for a getting-on-a bit player who has managed one stellar season in 8 is not bad – wherever he goes, if it is for money, RVP needs to remember that there is no way he will be loved as much as he is with us. Medals are OK, but he will miss the depth of love. At the very least, we only have one major protracted transfer concern this season as opposed to the two last year. It’s an improvement. Maybe RVP leaving would not be the disaster we think it is – opening the door for Podolski, Walcott, Gervinho (dare I say Chamakh / Park) to HAVE to step forward and not rely on the big man. Let me be clear – I really want RVP to stay because I think he will make the difference between 3rd and a real Premier League challenge.
3. Steve Bould and the defence
I seem to remember that SB is a combative fellow who knows how defending works – I do not believe that he is coming in as an OGL yes man. He will surely want to stamp his own imprint on the club, and that will surely be at the back – Back us to ship fewer than 35 goals next season – that will be an extra 12 – 15 points which gets us close to the other clubs – then it is down to no collapse and actually DEMONSTRATING on the field the mental strength that OGL sees. We have outstanding personnel at the back (and I do not mean Squillaci and Djourou) – the right coaching and I think we have a solid back four plus back up personnel.
4. Deadwood Going
The contracts are expiring, Almunia gone, Denlison, Bendtner, Squillaci not far behind. Even if he stays, Chamakh can’t be as bad again next season can he?
5. Young Guns Delivering
Sir Chesney, Wilshere, The Ox, Frimpong, Coquelin, Jenkinson, Ignasi, Yennaris, Campbell …
6. Mixed with experience
Arteta, Rosicky (no longer Ro-sicknote), Podolski, maybe Benayoun?, the back four (again).
7. The Wild Cards
Ramsey, Gervinho – difficult first full seasons out of the way - make or break time for both of them – and they have the chance to rest, meditate and develop over the Summer unencumbered by Euro 2012. And then there are the enigmas that are Walcott, Song – capable of both great and terrible things. Change the balance to more great than terrible, and they will make a real impact. Then there is the possible new signing “Abu Diaby”. Maybe more than 42 minutes out of him next season? Although I am not holding my breath. Similarly Arshavin – give me first season Arshavin, and that is an immense difference to this squad over late period Arshavin – again, I do not expect it – but if it were to happen, it would be huge.
8. Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool in transition
All in transition, all going to have to come to terms with new personnel, new managers in the next season – at least third place looks good for next season, we should be worrying now about the clubs ahead of us, not those behind.
9. We will start the season top of the table
OK, only alphabetically – but we start the season with the opportunity to lead from the front all season.
This is the time when we can look forward and dream – the time to get maudlin is 10 games in when it has all gone to hell in a handcart and nothing has changed. For the first time in several seasons, I am actually optimistic as I renew my season ticket.