In the Year of the Invincibles, the Arsenal were comprised of players who were really committed to the team. You could see it in their emotion and effort, you could see it in the way they celebrated goals with each other.

While it is still very early in this 2007-08 season, you are starting to see a similar team emphasis. Maybe finishing fourth two years in a row was a humbling experience after so much success? Maybe a shift away from relying on one player, Thierry Henry, is a factor?

It certainly looks like Cesc, Hleb and Rosicky have all looked deep inside and asked themselves some tough questions about what they have done, and what they can do. I think a lot of the credit, as usual, needs to go to Arsene Wenger.

There was a perception, and perhaps rightly so, that the Arsenal were a bit soft and could be muscled. People called for ‘English grit’ and a bit of steel to be brought in. I think too many people equate toughness, both physical and mental, with being English. Likewise, there is an assumption that the ‘continental’ players on Arsenal aren’t willing to get stuck in when the chips are down.

I think there are plenty of guys in the squad who ‘want it’ and are willing to play hard. It’s just that in and Arsene Wenger side that doesn’t mean clattering into an opponent to show them how tough you are. Wenger’s team shows its toughness by running hard, applying pressure and attacking. And yes, by not backing down when pushed.

It’s been a very promising start to the season and there is no reason at this point to think the Arsenal cannot compete with anybody in the League. Ultimately injuries, or hopefully the lack of, will be a major factor. Let’s hope they can catch a bit of luck on that score.