We have all accepted that the Premier League title will not be coming to Arsenal this season, including Arsene Wenger, the fans, and the players. But this is no time to be feeling down about things, although it is clear that a slow start has really cost us.
But we can look forward to next season with a great deal of positivity, and that is just what our France international striker Olivier Giroud is doing. As a report on the official Arsenal website shows. The 29-year old feels that the Gunners have shown in the second half of the season that we are as strong as anyone and, just like me, he believes that all the injury problems the boss had to cope with were a major factor in the early season struggles.
Giroud said, “Hopefully if we can have less injuries, keep the same group and with maybe one or two new players, we will have a great season next year.
“We have to finish this one first, and to get second and win the FA Cup would be a great season. It has been a few years since we finished second and if we can do it we can see an improvement, which is great.
“But the championship is not finished, which is why we need to focus in the last five games to keep second place.
“I know we can still improve ourselves and that is what we have been doing since I signed for Arsenal. I am proud about it and pleased with that.
“I just want to carry on like that, and I know if we keep our best players and this determination with the team spirit, we are going to join next season’s title race.”
I am not sure if that line about our best players is specifically referring to the Theo Walcott or Jack Wilshire transfer rumours but I think it is time for us all to have a bit more faith in our manager and trust his judgement in the transfer market.
After all, Giroud is a prime example of Wenger seeing something that many don´t and having faith in his signings. It is paying off and I´m sure that we will see some more quality players joining the club this summer. With a very strong squad already, that should see Arsenal either winning the title or getting a lot closer, but here comes the but….
More injury problems next season or any period where the team loses its focus and form could spell disaster so we need to be right on our game from day one until the end. Will that be enough Gooners?