Arsenal's Proved Me Wrong
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by Ea34
My bad.
Just over a month ago, I posted my 2007-08 English Premier League preview in which I forecasted, among other things, that Arsenal would fall from the ranks of England’s Big Four.
I was wrong.
In the aftermath of Thierry Henry ’s move to FC Barcelona, it seemed unlikely that Arsenal would find the confidence and the continuity to once again join Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea (who, incidentally are having their own problems!) atop the EPL table. Make no mistake, it was obvious to me then, as it is now, that Arsene Wenger ’s cupboard was hardly bare. With an attack comprised of talents like Robin Van Persie, star-in-waiting Theo Walcott and one of the world’s great playmakers, Cesc Fabregas, as well as the Eastern European duo of Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky, the Gunners certainly did not enter this season lacking quality. But there would inevitably be an adjustment period, a maturation process, wouldn’t there? Evidently not! What I hadn’t considered was Wenger’s managerial excellence and the solidarity it breeds among his players.
Fives games into the 2007-08 Premiership season, Arsenal sit atop the table with 13 points (Liverpool with 11 points and West Ham United with 10 each have a game in hand), having allowed just 4 goals in five league matches, having shown a great deal of character along the way. Although they still create loads of chances, and are still somewhat frivolous with a majority of them, Arsenal are showing NO ill effects as a result of the departure of their superstar captain. If anything, we are seeing the future of Arsenal football today. The beginning of the Gunners’ Premiership season has seen the already brilliant Cesc Fabregas emerge as a true goal-scoring threat (what a rocket against Spurs!), announcing himself as a totally unstoppable force on the pitch. Additionally, Emmanuel Adebayor looks poised to assume the role at the spearhead of the Arsenal attack, supported by the pace of Hleb and Rosicky. And just think, Walcott and Van Persie have yet to really hit their stride!
In defense, Arsenal have looked generally solid, and at times spectacular. Led by Kolo Toure, whose incredible denial of Dimitar Berbatov at White Hart Lane may have saved three points for Arsenal, the Gunners' defense has succeeded in overcoming the early-season ineptitude of Jens Lehmann and the inconsistent play of Manuel Almunia in goal. The versatility of Gael Clichy, providing a presence both in defense and in attack, as well as the solid play of talented newcomer, Bacary Sagna round out an Arsenal side that once again must be considered a contender in the Premiership.
My sincerest apologies.
Against the opinions of many observers, Arsenal has hit the ground running in 2007-08, and looked excellent doing it. With a fantastic manager, a variety of talented young attackers, a solid and athletic defensive unit and a budding leader who is also among the world’s best players, Aresene Wenger’s Arsenal have shown that the departure of Thierry was anything but a fatal blow to the club, it was a golden opportunity for the less-heralded Gunners to show their quality. And have they ever!
I was so wrong.
