While Arsene Wenger was having to try and keep Arsenal winning in four competitions with almost a full team of players missing due to various injury and fitness problems, I was always surprised to hear members of the football media and even Arsenal fans dismiss the affect that this was having.
I wonder if those same people still believe it. Maybe they do and maybe they think it was just a coincidence that the Gunners produced the best and most sustained spell of successful games once the injury list had dwindled to just a few names towards the end of last year.
I am convinced, however, that keeping our injury list short is a major key to Arsenal winning the marathon that is the Premier League next season and it is looking good for us at the minute. In just over a week we will hopefully be able to really look ahead with optimism, provided that the many Arsenal stars on international duty in the friendly games and Euro qualifiers come through them unscathed.
Wenger still has to worry about Alexis at the Copa America but we already expect the Chilean to miss the start of the season. Once England and Spain play next Sunday though, the boss will hope to have a full squad of fit and fresh Gunners ready for the Community Shield at the start of August.
Do you think an injury free Arsenal has what it takes to beat Chelsea, Man City and United to the Premier League trophy?