Surely not a good time a be an Arsenal supporter. This season we are in 125th anniversary of the club. But apart from that their seems to be no reason to celebrate. NONE AT ALL...
We saw our team crumbling under pressure last season. To what should have been an easy 2nd place and a much awaited Carling Cup win, we gave away everything, lost out on all accounts and ended up playing qualifiers this season against Udinese. This season was supposed to start on a different note. Well it did, but still pathetic for very different reasons.
First of all, we started loosing players one by one. Clichy left, although I am not sad about it except for two reasons. One being the amount that we got for him and other being no replacements brought in.. Yet. Then it was our best player Cesc Fabregas. The man was dying because he was torn between two clubs he loved. That showed in form of his play and fitness but still to me he was our best player and stats would easily show that. But perhaps it was time to let go and I was happy to see him win trophies. I hope all Arsenal fans wish him good as he wishes for our club. Then Eboue was let go, for what reason I do not know. He loved Arsenal and fans loved him. May be he wasnt that good or may b he was but there are others who are still here. Certainly in that way he deserved to stay. Denilson, then, I would rather not say anything.
And finally there was Nasri. One ugly deal that turned out to be. So many rumours around, with not sure which one was true. Nasri had been good for first half of the season, clearly the reason why we did well then. But that is all he had offered for his time at Arsenal and was demanding too much now. Not sure who to blame, he had ambitions for much better so wanted to leave, may be he knows the inside story that we do not. But nonetheless most people will hate him now. For me, it hurts more to see him play in other jersey than seeing Cesc lift a trophy.
Thats for the player going out, as for those coming in, I am not sure I am happy. Jenkinson, young lad with potential, certainly a good backup at RB. Chamberlain, why spend so much on him and not on Cahill? Gervinho, typical Wenger signing, great potential and would do great I think. But where are the defensive signings? Surely that should have been the priority, right? We lost Cesc and Nasri and we do not have a playmaker in the team? We cant just leave it in the hands of Ramsey and Wilshere, however talented they may be. Gibbs as LB who gets injured after every two games with Traore as backup? RvP as a striker and with Chamakh as backup? Too many unanswered questions, and way too much disappointing transfer window.
After seeing the game at OT against United, one might think we are done for the season. We had too many players out but as van Persie rightly said this cannot be an excuse. If we have players out, sign some guys. Get the act together and be competitive enough to play against teams like United, Liverpool and Spurs for that matter.
As an Arsenal fan, I do not know whats in store. This is not what I had hoped for at the start of the season, but theres one thing that makes me believe in the team still. The Passion and Love some of the players have for the club. Szczesny or Wilshere or Frimpong. these young players make me feel theres still hope. The game against Udinese was a delight to watch. Players actually fought to win the game unlike end of last season. That game was relief to eyes because that showed what the team can do. Like them, I still Love ARSENAL and will love FOREVER, and keep faith there are good times (and players) to come. Arsenal FC Forever!!!
