Many gooners and neutrals are constantly moaning at the minute at how 'rubbish' we are. 'Arsenal have had such a bad season,' and 'pretty football doesn't win matches' are some phrases being brought up. Perhaps these are half-true, but if you are smart you will realise we have had far from a bad season.
It was a frustrating start with 2 points from a possible 9, as we settled into our new home. But we turned this early start around didn't we? At a place called Old Trafford? The home of 'the best team in the country?' Yep, if you do need reminding we were and still are the only team to beat United in their back yard this season. Considering we had Henry, Ljungberg, Diaby and Senderos all injured, it's not exactly a bad result. And it was the first time we started to realise the real player in Manu Adebayor. Since then, the Togo striker hasn't looked back and has won over the fans (if you don't believe me, listen to 60,000 gooners bellowing A-DE-BAY-OR! A-DE-BAY-OR! at every home game). In Europe, the gunners qualified from a very underrated group. Porto, winners of the competition three years ago, Hamburg, a strong German side with some top notch players (Van Der Vaart) and CSKA Moscow, they must be good if Arsenal couldn't beat them!
Now we all know that the last two or three weeks have been poor. We lost the Carling Cup Final and went out early in both the FA Cup and Champions League. Hang on, rewind. We got to the Carling Cup Final. With teenagers. We knocked out West Brom, Everton and the scum down the lane with little kids. Oh and we also absolutely hammered Liverpool 6-3, at Anfield! Just look at the youngsters that have impressed this season: Justin Hoyte has improved immensely and is growing in confidence due to his long run in the team. Johan Djourou, dubbed Toure II. Surprisingly perhaps, this is the guy I am most excited about. He is an almost complete defender despite being 19! Just imagine him in 10 years! Armand Traore is another promising teenager. His electric pace from left back is scary. Cesc Fabregas has also improved. He is now stronger and is willing to control the game. Denilson is one of THE most exciting as well. He shined against Spurs with his strength, precise passing and long range shooting. Abou Diaby is also one of my favourites. His immense strength makes him remind you of Vieira as well as the long legs. He also has a few tricks up his sleeve and can hit a thunderbolt shot from distance. Theo Walcott has got his fair share of games this season and despite getting a hatful of assists, couldn't find the net himself... until the Final itself when he cooly slotted past Petr Cech, arguably the best keeper in the world.
Now, you must also consider the injury problems we have suffered. Thierry Henry has been out for 80% of the season while Robin Van Persie has been out since January. William Gallas seems to be injury cursed as well, meaning that he has only played a handful of games. Freddie Ljungberg, Alex Hleb, Manu Eboue, Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby, Phillipe Senderos, Tomas Rosicky, Julio Baptista, Johan Djourou and Theo Walcott have all suffered as well, it's quite an unbelievable list, considering Manchester United have had none, bar one or two.
Don't forget, we drew at Stamford Bridge with half the team injured and beat United again as well as that stunning 4-0 win at Reading. So despite a few early exits it hasn't been an atrocious season at all.
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