The Gooner Finally Speaks

Arsenal's resounding defeat of Everton at Goodison Park last weekend has prompted your author to write (and gloat) of his club's outstanding start to the season. This weekend's romp exceeding all expectations as Arsenal displayed qualities reminiscent of, dare I say it, the Invincibles of '03-'04. Their passing was superb. The workrate was excellent. And the usual creativity and movement was a joy to watch. But something else was present, something that has been missing in the four seasons Arsenal has gone without a trophy. A quality that the man pictured on my profile possessed a great deal of: determination.

While I'd love to claim that Andrei Arshavin is the sole catalyst for Arsenal's revival, it would not be entirely accurate (though the Russian is the most exciting player in the squad and probably my favorite footballer in the world). The fact is, whether Wenger is responsible or not, the team is playing like they want to win. The desire and determination is evident. The past four seasons have lacked that will. It seemed as though, in the past four years, that the team was playing merely to impress. They lacked the emotional and physical maturity to cope with the pressures of world-class football. But now the likes of Alexandre Song, Denilson, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, and Jack Wilshere are proving that they have the maturity to play, not just to impress, but to win.

There are myriad reasons for the change in form. The addition of Thomas Vermaelen is substantial. Having a poised 23-year-old left-footed centre-back is an outstanding addition to the club. Contrary to the opinion of most, I expected his play to be this good. I think he will only improve, and will do nothing but impress at the club. Having Cesc Fabregas fit and well aged and experienced at 22 gives the team a host of advantages. And to top it all off, the team can expect to see a healthy Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky this season. While critics are skeptical considering Wenger's decision to not reinforce at the striker position, I feel Arsenal is all the better for the deals they made this summer, both financially and compositionally. They have the best mix of talent and personality in the squad since the '03-'04 season. I think they are ready to begin the dynasty that Arsene Wenger has touted for so long. I think Arsenal will win the league this season, and not because they are necessarily the best team, but because they have the morale and the determination the other big clubs lack as result of their enormous payrolls and the egos that receive those checks. I look forward to tomorrow's match against Portsmouth, a team in dire straits that I think will be routed by a supremely engaging Gunners squad.