TFG
I write this prior to our game against Everton and following defeats suffered by Manchester United and Chelsea; with Manchester City also dropping points at hardworking Southampton. Arsenal are confounding the critics (many Gooners among them!) and playing with a fervour, style and consistency not seen for some time.
In light of David Moyes’ apparent inability to continue Alex Ferguson’s dynasty, there is significant rancour that our performance at Old Trafford was poor – even embarrassing. Mitigation might be found in a virulent bug which apparently swept through the squad; but in any event, Arsenal did not have a shot of note until 73 minutes. That van Persie’s goal flattered United is arguable, the frustration stems from the notion that we have an inferiority complex when facing the “very top” teams. Any inability to compete in those games has been used as a stick to beat Arsenal – however previous such assurances may be.
Pertinently, Arsenal are the top team at present, having been the most consistent team of 2013. Each week those journalists whose hobbies seem to include trolling Gooners appear more desperate and ridiculous in their insistence that the title cannot possibly be won by a “paper–thin” Arsenal squad. Nobody within the Club is suggesting that it is a forgone conclusion (the folly of such arrogant expectations having led to disappointment in various games during the last 8 years). Astute additions would not only be welcome in January, but appear essential. The signing of Mesut Ӧzil is hopefully a portent of further judicious, but equally ambitious expenditure within our means and the benefit of such acquisitions is beyond doubt.
Prior to January, we face Everton, Napoli, Manchester City and Chelsea. Avoidance of key absences may require luck, as well as judgement, but these are games that Arsenal can look forward to with reasonable anticipation. Crucially, the class of 2013 must believe that they can prosper in these fixtures. Much of the improvement this season has been attitudinal – the desire to offer teams 90 plus minutes of endeavour and to fight as a unit, shoulder–to–shoulder; thriving on the challenge of adversity.
Discounting the opening day defeat and Capital One Cup reverse, Arsenal have provided answers to nearly all questions asked of them. Where they have fallen short, accusations were levelled about the psychological context of the losses. Conversely, with the exception of these games, Wojciech Szczęsny, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Bacary Sagna and Per Mertesacker have led by example in challenging expectations again and again. Others, like Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere have worked hard to largely eradicate the deficiencies in their game.
The concern should not be whether other teams are significantly better this term, rather whether any notion of Financial Fair Play will again prove a misnomer come the New Year. Arsenal are competing again and on the terms which, in recent seasons, have provided opportunity for detractors to rejoice in a relative paucity of finances and honours. Nothing has been won, but the Club is presently far better placed to exude the longer term virtues of circumstances which precipitated an extended period of dissatisfaction.
The dressing room should only reflect upon the notion that Arsenal cannot win the title as a means of defiant inspiration; not as any meaningful decree – any further motivation gifted as a gratuity. Before the transfer window swings open, we have opportunity to set ourselves for a sustained title challenge. Most fans feel that, given the cost of supporting the Club, an ability to challenge represents a fair return on their considerable investment. On recent evidence and borrowing from Franklin D. Roosevelt, I would suggest that the only thing to fear is fear itself.
