We are past the half way mark (played 22/38 games) and the team has exceeded all expectations thus far. The league is within our potential but, as we have seen, potential is nothing without substance.Therefore the question to be asked is do we have the substance to maintain our form into the second half of the season? There is no doubt we have seen an improvement this year and can only presume that this year’s challenge will only be improved upon in years to come. This will require keeping our current crop of indispensables, shedding the dead-wood, nurturing the ‘potential’ and adding where necessary.The following indicators will offer a general idea of where we are:
Character: we are noticeably stronger in this trait..players like Flamini, Adebayor, Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Sagna and Fabregas all have leadership qualities. I think these players possess the attitude that is required of ‘winners’. the pre- and post-match huddles are also a sign of togetherness and unity which distinguishes us from others. Wenger’s constant(if not boring) allusions to this aspect of our game is indicative of its importance in a title-winning side…see the Invincibles season.
Technique: we have always been superior in this area to most teams in the Prem but it seems with the influx of foreigners that the others are playing ‘catch up’. I no longer feel that we are superior in this regard. Man Utd are particularly strong with their S.American imports. I think this area can only be improved by signing top quality. It would only require a couple over the next couple of seasons. Our replacements have flattered to deceive in terms of technique…the following players(while young and relatively experienced) do not imbue me with confidence… Denilson, Walcott, Traore, Senderos, Randall, Hoyte and even Diaby.
Wenger may need to change his policy of ‘nuturing’ players and start buying ‘immediate’ talent…God knows it’s about time
Belief: another one of Wenger’s favourite words.he ‘believes’ there is the ‘belief’ in this group of players that they have the what is necessary to win. I’m not so certain. United look formidable in this regard..they have winners and the look of champions down their spine. We on the other hand look fallable. There is no way they would have surrendered so meekly against Middlesbrough. Chelsea are also firm believers of their quality. I think they will push us hard in the coming weeks.
Belief should not be mistaken for arrogance or cockiness. No doubt there has always been an arrogance to Wenger’s team… Fabregas epitomises this and I dont like some of his antics, as well as the obvious…Eboue.
The arrogance of Ade I do like. He mixes graft with self-confidence. Take note Fabregas, Eboue, Diaby et al.
To conclude I think we are not quite there yet in the Premiership. I do think we could do well in the Champions League(I have a little wager on it in fact). Man United are favourites and Chelsea will push us. But there is cause for optimism. We are a much improved team on last year but we are not a finished article. Hopefully (I have massive faith) Wenger will realise this and seek to change a few things.