Arsenal Still in the Hunt: Gunners Late Season Review

Originally, I was going to write on how Wenger’s consistent conservatism during the January transfer window had doomed the club to another season without silverware.I was going to rant and rave about how a team as young as the Gunners couldn’t survive with so many key injuries and so few meaningful transfers.

I was going to vent my discontent as a frustrated—and spoiled—Arsenal fan.

Instead, I’m going to write about how the good ‘ole boys at the Emirates are poised to surprise a lot of people.

In terms of the overall shape of the team, the Robin van Persie injury has proven disastrous to Arsenal’s scoring ability when coupled with Wenger’s 4-3-3.

However, Bendtner has returned, and assuming that Eduardo’s recent hamstring knock is in fact only a knock, the dominant midfield will again have a few outlets to put the ball in the net. Now if only Carlos Vela would pan out...

Damn though, isn’t it nice to see the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo contributing on a regular basis again?

We already know the current squad has had its ups and downs, but It’s impossible to blame Wenger for not buying more during the transfer window, especially with the club claiming thin pockets .

With that being said, one has to question the acquisition of Sol Campbell. It’s been ages since he was in the top flight, and while he could take some heat off of the central Vermaelan-Gallas tandem, I’m just not sure that I trust him. Yet. He could well prove to be the experience the team needs down the run, but a team as big as Arsenal should hang its hopes on more than intangibles.

Despite complaining about the transfers - or lack thereof - it’s really the remaining schedule that favors Wenger’s men.

The final Premiership stretch appears considerably easier than the  recent schedule. No more Chelsea or Manchester United, and the only top-ten teams left to play are Manchester City (at home), Spurs, and a surprising Birmingham side.

At the same time, Chelsea has to overcome Man U, Villa, Man City, and a rejuvenated Liverpool at Anfield. Six points is a lot when trailing two quality opponents, but the remaining schedule speaks for itself.

For no reason in particular, I feel very good about the Gunners’ chances come the end of this season. If they can slide by Porto in the Champions League over the next two weeks, I’ll feel even better.

This Arsenal can’t be compared to the Invincibles or even the team that managed 83 points two years ago. Proven talent without considerable experience puts in question the ability to make simultaneous runs at two impressive titles. But as long as any trophies are still within striking distance, Gooners everywhere should consider their team a success. Victoria Concordia Crescit.