I will start by mentioning that we are approaching the end of October, obvious perhaps, but it does seem that a lot of people seem not to realise this. Yes, I am aware that the 24/7 media across all channels and platforms need to be constantly fed. I am also fully versed with the way that the internet works and how small unimportant people use it to try and give themselves and their lives some kind of meaning, but really, to put us as favourites for both the Premier League and the Champions League after eight and three games respectively is plainly ridiculous.
The fact that certain unmentionable failed ex-pros also seem intent on blaming Arsenal for every ‘unpalatable’ aspect of the game that they invent just seems to add to the utter nonsense that is currently flooding all areas of the media. There genuinely seems to be a new gripe every single week from ‘excess celebrations’ to only scoring from set pieces and there appears to be no crime that our club cannot be accused of. The latest gripes that we are killing the game by not letting the opposition score is actually beyond laughable. Oh and don’t forget they we always bottle it after Christmas – P19 W17 between January and May in 2024. Anyone??
Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that this season represents a very good chance to win the League, but neither me or any other Gooner whose IQ is greater than their shoe size think that its already in the bag. Do the rent-a-mouth trolls out there think that we have forgotten what happened in 2022/23? We all know that we went into the Easter Sunday match against Liverpool eight points clear (and were actually 2-0 up in the first half) only to completely run out of steam and finish five points off City. It hurt then and it still hurts now, although to me our failure to win a very poor League last season grates even more.
My view for those that care is that the destination of the League and possibly the Champions League depends almost entirely on the fitness of on player – not an Arsenal one! Whatever you think of Erling ‘Humble’ Haaland, you cannot deny that the man is a machine, he is streets ahead of any other striker in the League and is on his day he’s unplayable. Wilo and big Gabby may have pocketed him several times over the past couple of years, but he has already scored against us once this season and no other team has the defensive tools to keep him out. He is not a ‘form player’ he is a goal machine, if he’s fit, he plays and if he plays, he scores, its that simple. City are a very good team, but if he plays upwards of 35 League matches this season the trophy is going to the Etihad. The Champions league has a habit of throwing up the odd surprise and the knockout format in the second phase means that one poor game can end any team’s campaign, so it may be that our best chance of glory sits there.
I’ll finish where I started, it’s October and there are many months and matches between now and May, so I suggest that we enjoy the good days, celebrate like we want to when we want to and if at the end of May there is one or more pieces of shiny silverware sitting in the Emirates’ trophy cabinet, all the better. Until then…..
Keep calm and carry on.
Images courtesy of Reuters/Action Images