Excuse me, folks, but you're missing the dawn of a new era.

Let's stop all the groaning and complaining for a moment. Let's acknowledge that Thierry is not yet the perfect embodiment of an Arsenal captain, Super Bob may never be a top ten goalscorer again, Ashley's commitment to the Gunners is, well, uncommitted and Freddie's career has quickly shifted into reverse gear. And enough already with the new pastime of Cygan-bashing (even "The Gooner" joined in by virtually devoting its last issue to his shiny head).

Whether or not Arsene lands Theo Walcott, or anyone else this month, the January 2006 transfers officially mark the next chapter in his remarkable, ongoing story of success. He has not "gone too young", etc. with these latest additions. Sure, the team's current prospects still rely on an aging core group, but the next wave of remarkable players is ready to roll. The Professor is meticulously weaving together a band of veterans and youngsters, without skipping a beat. The Gunners are both winning and reloading at the same time. And that's not an easy accomplishment in today's world of professional sports.

In support of such optimism, while age is not always the determining factor, it is noteworthy to review mainstay Gunners and their corresponding years of birth. You can sense a masterful transition is underway--- an increasingly potent mix of battle-tested experience, high-quality skills and youthful energy:

30 and over 1969 - Bergkamp, Lehmann 1973 - Pires 1974 - Campbell 1976 - Gilberto

25-30 1977 - Henry, Ljunberg, Lauren 1980 - Cole 1981 - Toure, Hleb

20-25 1983 - Reyes, van Persie, Eboue 1985 - Senderos, Clichy, Adebayor

20 and under 1986 - Quincy, Diaby 1987 - Fabregas 1989 - Walcott (?)

This picture is made clearer by, for example, watching the videos, "Arsenal: The Official History" and "49: The Complete Unbeaten Record" (the latter DVD nicely picks up where the other ends and also, in effect, introduces the first members of our under-25 contingent); they underscore how in his first 10 years, Arsene wisely used and respected his older footballers but never hesitated to boldly insert and quickly mold younger players into his free-flowing system.

With the January 2006 moves, we are witnessing Arsene/Arsenal history repeating itself --- of course, not exactly in the same way, but hopefully with similar long-term results. Now, take a pill. Learn to enjoy this. Okay, and if it helps, toss a few obscenities at Pascal when he keeps f*cking up.