The stat of how long the Gunners have without a trophy is probably a monkey that all Gunners' fans will want to get get off their backs at last, and this season is shaping up to be the time that it happens. Over the past few years, Arsene Wenger has produced sides that have burned bright for short periods, but eventually turned out to have flattered merely to deceive. The assembled players currently striding seven points clear at the top of the league, ahead of Sunday's games however, seem to be an entirely different prospect.
It's a well-used term tenet of assembling a successful squad that a strong 'spine' is essential, and whilst in the past, having a 'soft centre' was an occasion often levelled at Gunners' teams but, is that has been a valid criticism in the past, it certainly seems something that seems to have been addressed.
In goal, Wojciech Szczesny has now developed from the young 'keeper that always a remarkable shot stopper, seemed prone to the 'rush of blood' sort of decision that turned games against his side. This season however he has become the no-nonsence, 'safe hands' dependable goalkeeper that always seemed to be in there, fighting to get out. Still only 23, he could be a presence between the sticks at the club for a decade or more.
In front of Szczesny, the centre back axis of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny is perhaps a contributory reason to the development of the goalkeeper. When the tall German was signed, it seemed very much a part of the panic supermarket trolley dash that Wenger was compelled to indulge in as he lost another of his star players late in a transfer window. If that was the case, the purchase was a bargain. initially, it looked like Mertesacker's lack of pace and mobility would make him a sitting duck defender for the nippy and skilful striker now prevalent in the premier League. Once settled however, the game knowledge of the German, coupled with the experience and ability to organise players around him has made Mertesacker very much a key player in the Arsenal team, and almost a surrogate Wenger- presence on the pitch. It's little wonder that the manager holds him in such high regard. Alongside him, the understated, underestimated Koscielny has emerged as the perfect foil for the German, and together they have developed into one of the prime defensive units.
In midfield, is perhaps where the greatest strength of the team has developed. The addition of Mesut Ozil was of course a valuable capture by Wenger. The dynamic midfield international has not only added a measure of class and heads up vision to the Gunners' engine room but, just as importantly perhaps, is the confidence that seems to have spread through the side merely by his presence being an illustration that Arsenal can be a top team again. There's probably no bettor example of how the influence of Ozil has improved his teammates than that of Aaron Ramsey. Before this season, the Welshman was, at best, a fairly peripheral figure on the scoring charts, and although a fairly regular first team member, not really one of the 'inked in' starters. All of that has changed now. The first dozen games or so of the season has seen Ramsey's goal tally for the season eclipse his total for the last six year combined. It's an impressive enough statistic, but even that does not convey the confidence that now oozes from the player and has encouraged his ability to take control of a game. Add in the developing talent of a now increasingly fit Jack Wilshire, and the midfieldis brimful of creative ability - and goals.
Having a leader of the line, worthy of the name has been a difficulty for Wenger over the years. Adebayor, Bendtner and the like have been tried and then discarded. Even when Olivier Giroud joined, he was less than totally convincing. In this season however, not only has he started to deliver the goals that are the staple diet of a striker, but also to provide the focal point of the attack that allows the talented midfield mentioned above to blossom.
All of this of course is extremely impressive, but it must be remembered that it has been achieved without the injured England pair of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. With Walcott now fit again, Arsene Wenger must be relishing the problem of having to pick his best eleven from the wealth of talent available.
If there's a downside, and in football there usually is, it's perhaps that the club will need to have a mind to securing the necessary additional resources in the January window. Wenger has produced the rabbit from the hat with the late signing of Ozil being his only major capture in the summer. He may not be able to do that again if the spending is prudent in January. At the very least, signing another top notch striker would be desirable. If not, an injury to Giroud would inevitably disrupt the established flow of the team. Wenger however is no beginner at this, and he will be acutely aware of the situation, and prepared to target who he feels is necessary.
It's often said that the turn of the year is when the title race truly begins to take shape. If that's true, Arsenal have positioned themselves well for that assessment. It may also be the time that any other team with title aspirations will have to realise that the Gunners are serious contenders. This Arsenal is for real.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG