Reasons to Be Cheerful, 1, 2……..14?
This transfer window, the lull in between seasons, is norm ally a torturous affair for Gooners. A running joke between pundits, rival fans and journalists, we had to suffer these blind fools as clubs went cap in hand to their oil-rich owners and begged for more dirty cash in order to stockpile more talent. The fans revelled in the influx of talent, regardless of whether they would fit into the team or not and proceeded to lord it over us as we were forced to root around in the Breakers Yard, using Wengers resourcefulness to make use of unwanted toys left strewn around by spoiled Russians and Sultans. To cut a long story short, we had it tough. Especially when we could look through the window of our neighbours and see them excitedly unwrapping their shiny presents and we had just an orange in a sock.
No more. The watershed has passed. The tide has turned. Last season, with the Ozil signing, we sent out a battlecry that signalled to our enemies that we have recovered from our malaise and are more than ready to duke it out at the top once more. The burden that had effectively kept us grounded rather than flying gracefully, the stadium debt, had been negated. Rejoice, All Ye Gooners.
This Transfer Window was a stark contrast to the last eight or nine years. We set our stall out early, identified targets and went in with our cards showing. It was more than enough to lure them amid some envious glares and desperate attempts to distract them from signing for us. The main difference between this June/July/August and the previous ten has been the optimism. It flowered, it blossomed. It reached into even the most morose of Gooners and had them wondering what might be. We could achieve. We could rightfully dream about reclaiming the Title for the first time since the Greatest Team we have ever witnessed destroyed all comers in 2004. We really could…….Hold on. We struggled in our first game and Cesc had a blinder. What the hell are you doing Wenger?
Those last two sentences were the theme of many people’s timelines on Twitter as Chelsea impressively dismantled the rugged defensive unit, no wait, the tactically astute, that isn’t it, the entertaining yet open Burnley ( that’s better ). It would seem that a few of us can instantly predict the outcome of millions of variables and a 38-game season, peering into the misty depths of the future to tell whether we will fail come May. Utter tosh. How can something so vibrant and infectious as the optimism and positivity we all felt ( and most of us still do ) metamorphose into an ugly, hate-filled mob mentality?
I aim to remedy this. Think of this as a reminder. A timely slap to the mush with a sizeable wet haddock. I’m going to give you reasons to be cheerful that we are supporting the Greatest Club in the World.
1 – Our cash is our own. We don’t rely on an Oligarch, though we have one waiting in the wings if required. We also have a rather flush American who owns the majority shareholding. We require nor crave either. As a result of this we don’t have the worry of when these walking dollar signs eventually tire of their new plaything and seek out pastures new. If they leave we will carry on. The other clubs? Well……….
2 – According to the latest Deloitte And Touche money list, we are the worlds EIGHTH richest club. That was last years list. Take into account the new Emirates and Puma deals and our own version of Scrooge McDuck’s money pit is positively bulging at the seams. With all that money, that also brings with it power. We have the clout to compete and sign the planets best players, players like……….
3 – We have Ozil. Mesut bloody Ozil. The man who leads the way in assists in Europe over the last two years ( 2012 & 2013 ). The man who lifted the World Cup. The man with more than a passing resemblance in vision and passing to God himself, DB10. Could you have comprehended that in 2009? In your most mushroom-induced hallucinations? Never. Now the albatross has been removed from our neck, we can swing away and grab even Real Madrid’s No.10. Next up? How’s about…..
4 – Alexis Sanchez. Barca’s No.9. The man with a wonderful 39goals in 88games. Being played sometimes out of position and second fiddle to Messi. We got him. Whilst Wenger supposedly was lounging on the most golden of Sao Paolo’s beaches with Brazilian hotties on each arm, he actually was deep behind enemy lines, wining and dining Alexis, swaying him to the Red&White side. He obviously liked what he heard because the Cannon is now sitting proudly on his chest. He looks good. He will come good. Especially with Ozil behind him and the small matter of……….
5 – Aaron Ramsey. You know you have a player on your hands when even the harshest of critics, the most biased and blinkered, is forced to admit defeat and doles out compliments regarding the aforementioned player through gritted teeth. It wasn’t even a good game for Rambo. He said so himself. Alan Shearer stated that Rambo is easily a £40m player. I think in the current market he would smash that fee. There is nothing he cannot do. Shoot. Tackle. Pass, head, vision, motivate, Look amazingly good in a beard. He is excelling right now and in my humble opinion , I think that he more than matches up to the leading lights in the midfield arena. What a prospect. Sanchez. Ozil. Rambo. Not forgetting……
6 – Koscielny. Over the last two seasons, Kos Le Boss has filled his capacious pockets with all manner of strikers and attacking threats. He has dealt with them all effectively and efficiently. This isn’t to say he is impervious to a brain fart. Just that when he does slip up he also has the pace to mop up his mess. Alongside our very own BFG, aside from the oft-mentioned three thrashings, the two form an impenetrable wall. A wall that now looks imposing to all and is now well armed with backup. We have, I think, a defender that is in the WORLDS TOP THREE. I struggle to think of a defender who has consistently performed over two years in the manner that Kos has. Can you?
7 – Our squad has been bolstered. Before you butt in however, I am not being ignorant and stating that we have no chinks in our armour. An injury to Giroud, Rambo or Kos and we will struggle. The same can be said with all of the other teams involved in this seasons tussle for the Premiership. If City lose Aguero, Toure and Kompany, they will be rudderless. If Chelsea are without Costa, Fabregas and Ivanovic, they will be floating downstream and in a panic. Ditto with Liverpool and Coutinho, Sturridge and Skrtel. We have to use whatever lucky sigils we possess and cross our fingers. Maybe our toes as well in order to avoid what is rapidly becoming an Arsenal injury haunting. Either that or we can call…..
8 – Shad Forsythe. The man who kept Die Mannschaft in pristine condition even after enduring a full domestic season is now currently wrapping Diaby in a full cotton wool bodywrap as we speak. It was common knowledge our horrendous injury run last season was the main source of the cold water that was poured on our title campaign. If Ramsey, Theo and Ozil didn’t miss the crux of our season, I and others are more than confident in saying we would have made up the seven points that was the difference between 1st and 4th. Tony Colbert, the man who was at the helm of fitness previously, is now sharing that mantle with the son of Bruce. Colbert, the former Army stalwart. The man who thinks running off an injury is the best technique. Shad, with fresh ideas and cutting edge techniques, will hopefully take the wheel from Colbert as the season progresses. Fruits will be reaped from acquiring him. I’d like to think I have assuaged your worries. If not, try this on for size………
Theo Walcotts return. The last full season he played he bagged 21 from 43. As a wide man.
We haven’t seen the best of Jack Wilshere. Wenger has kept the faith with him for a reason. Just as we doubted AW for continuing with Rambo, déjà vu for Jack. What a player he could be.
Szczesny is only going to get better. He was last seasons Golden Glove winner with Petr Cech and he let in 17goals in 3 games.
Debuchy and Chambers look like astute buys. Both have slotted in without any acclimatisation periods and have strengthened us.
Giroud. Despite criticism, he has 40 goals in 100apps for us. With the ammunition being loaded by a freer Ozil, expect more this season.
Campbell, Arteta, Flamini, Gibbs, Ospina, Santi, Nacho, Podolski. All players who will add to our fight for glory this season. Throw in the fact we have an amazing 60k plus Stadia, and a Manager who knows our club better than anyone and you have a cake that not only has cherries on top but also fireworks and a semi-clad Jennifer Lawrence. Seriously though, in terms of cakes, all the ingredients are in the mixing pot having been expertly measured out, the oven is on Gas Mark 5 and the apron is folded, patiently waiting for the moment to be donned gloriously.
So, to summarise, to wrap it up, to all the negative types who were seen moaning after Chelsea won and our less than impressive first two matches. To all the taciturn types who looked past the fact we clearly weren’t ready for the start of the season and cite our lack of acquiring a CDM and ST for our creative failings vs Palace, Besitkas and our prospective frustrations in the future, this is for you. Remember how lucky we are. Realise what a position we are in and what a great framework we have. This is the start of something amazing. If I’m wrong though, it’ll still be dramatic and brilliant to be a part of. Hope this lifts the spirits people.
