For a long time now our season has been over, if not for our position in the table it is evident that our players have long considered the season over by the strong sentiment of “next season” running through many of the players interviews I have read of late.
In all honesty the premiership has been a two horse race this season, we have shown promise in both the cups especially the carling cup but as far as the premiership was concerned we were never going to be title challengers whilst dropping significant points to teams lower in the league.
We have beaten Liverpool three times this season, man united twice and drawn at Stamford Bridge with a makeshift team. This Sunday is the game we have all undoubtedly been waiting for, Chelsea at the emirates, win, lose or draw in this fixture and we will have the highest culmination of head-to-head points between the top four teams.
This proves we have the quality within our squad, so can we really mount a realistic title challenge next season?
I would like to forget the adage of “arsenal playing the most wonderful football” and look at the facts behind our failings this season.
Lets face it, football is simple, you either; win, lose or draw. Saying arsenal play great football is an actual fallacy. How can you be playing great football and lose? Personally, I find nothing great about watching a team play pretty football, have 70% possession, 20 shots on goal and lose 1-0. I think that is terrible football.
In 36 premiership games, we have scored 62 goals from 492 shots, which is a conversion rate of about 13%. We have also conceded 34 goals.
Ali was the greatest fighter ever, he was a showman, it was entertaining to watch him box, enchanting to listen to his interviews. On the other hand, we have, Lennox Lewis. Who was also a great fighter, but lacked charisma, his fights were boring and everything about him just seemed grey. Would we love Ali as much if he had the personality of Lennox?
As great as our football has been at times this season, I feel the entertaining thing for our fans would be to see our team win games more often than not. Of course, we want to see great football. However, a trophy would be nice too.
