The Dust Settles

So, Manchester United crossed the line efficiently on the weekend rather than spectacularly. Arsenal restored some pride in their performance at Old Trafford and they can thank their opposition for playing largely within themselves, but it should still restore some much needed confidence.

For all Arsenal's good play at times, the Manchester United defence was rarely stretched, although they did play rather defensively which makes it difficult to create chances. Diaby played in his familiar position and looked better than he has done recently, Denilson did well, as did Cesc who again was played where he is more comfortable. I would have liked to have seen Adebayor in the lone striker role, because I think he plays it better than RVP who I think needs a partner up front. Arshavin was slightly subdued but I think we have seen enough of him to believe that he is going to be one of our most direct and exciting players for next season.

That leads me on to thinking about the summer and next season. We can look back on this season after it has finished, but we have seen enough as Arsenal fans to be filled with questions, and we look forward to seeing how they are answered.

There is much uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment both on the pitch and in the boardroom. This summer could see upheaval on both levels. The ownsership of the club might come to a head, which could have an impact on potential summer signings. I would like the protagonists to fight it out sooner rather than later, so as to give plenty of time for any changes to take effect on the squad. Put simply, if a takeover is going to mean more transfer funds, then get it over with so Arsene Wenger can spend it!

Speaking of transfers, the futures of Adebayor, RVP and even Gael Clichy seem to be in question. We wonder about new arrivals, and we have been promised experienced players by the manager who in my opinion has come in for some shameful criticism recently. I have said it before on this blog and I am not at all bothered to repeat it. He has done and continues to take this club to places it almost has no right to go. For such a young team to finish comfortably in 4th, and be in the semi finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League is no mean feat. They finished above teams with much more experienced players bought for far more money. Martin O'Neill for example, often lauded as a great manager, spent a fortune on players in the summer, and his team finished behind this Arsenal team who effectively lost key players in the summer.

Of course we judge ourselves by the top of the table and not who is below. I think Arsenal can only push on from here. The young players are very experienced, they will get better next season, we hope Eduardo and Rosicky will come back into the team and play more regularly that will strengthen the experience in the team not to mention new additions in the summer we expect. If those new additions are the right players and of the quality of Arshavin and Nasri then we have reason to be optimistic.

Assessing our rivals, I would say that Chelsea are the team most likely to fall back. They have an ageing team, they are likely to lose Drogba, and their manager, depending on who they bring in in the summer, I believe they are most vulnerable from the other top teams. Liverpool are an interesting case in point to give Arsenal hope. Last year they finished below Arsenal (who incidentally finished only 4 points behind the eventual champions) in 4th, they only really added Rieira to their squad but they leapfrogged Chelsea and really put up a fight for the title. This should give Arsenal fans some encouragement. This squad is actually quite big, despite what the press say, it needs reinforcements in key positions, but with the right ones, I think Arsenal could do great things.

Catching Man U next season and winning the league is probably too ambitious. But I think giving them a run for their money and finishing second will please most Arsenal fans and vindicate the manager. Winning the league quite honestly is dreamland, but not impossible.

Media Rubbish

I thought of doing a weekly look at the nonsense in the written press, there is usually a wide range to choose from. Unsuprisingly, today's offering is from the Daily Mail.

They claim Arsene Wenger has a transfer kitty of £13 million.

My dear fellow Gooners. That is complete drivel. Congratulations to the Daily Mail for its contribution to this column!