It appears that the belief and confidence is really flowing around Arsenal Football Club at the moment. A very strong finish to the Premier League season, even though it was not enough to make up for the early stages, has certainly helped that belief.
And the winning mentality that was missing for so long as the Gunners wait for a trophy stretched on, is now back with a vengeance after those back to back triumphs in the FA cup. That feeling was in evidence as the Gunners launched a new strip for next season this week, with Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck talking up our title chances.
After reports revealed that Rosicky was a bit frustrated with his lack of playing time last season, the 34-year old was much happier discussing the chances of Arsenal starting next season strongly and giving the likes of Chelsea and Man City a proper fight, reported by Sky Sports.
Rosicky said, “I thought we would challenge last season but obviously the first half of the season was not good.
“We did not play well at all and it wasn’t the Arsenal style of football we were playing. You could see from January we started to play our way and it was Arsenal. Now we have to show we can produce these kind of performances for the whole season and not just for half.
“Every player realises we have to carry on that momentum.
“We don’t want to just be third and win the FA Cup. Obviously, it’s a solid season when you win the FA Cup. You could see the progress in the team after December.
“Consistency is key for any title challenge and that is what we have to show through the whole of next season. The potential is there for this side to challenge for the title.”
A real chance of finally winning the Premier League after almost a decade with Arsenal seems to have Rosicky switched on again and not worried about his own personal situation. The story is a bit different with Danny Welbeck, as the England forward already has a winners medal from his time with Man United and I expect that Welbeck will be concerned about his own involvement.
And as another Sky Sports report explains, the 24-year old agrees with Rosicky about the need for Arsenal to start next season and he clearly wants to be a part of that after injury ruined the end of the last campaign for him.
Welbeck said, “To miss the FA Cup final was obviously disappointing for me, but great for the club and the fans to retain the trophy.
“This is the first one I have won and hopefully there are going to be more in the future.
“We definitely want to push on as a club, with the players we have got there is no reason why we should not be up there challenging for the Premier League, it is something which is within our ambitions as a team.
“Our slow start at the beginning of the season cost us in May, and when we look back on the points we should have got, then we would have been right up there.
“Competition is healthy, it is good and gives the manager a selection headache, which is the best for the team for us to drive forward and keep improving.
“With the selection of players the manager has got now, you can use players in different styles and positions which is only going to help the squad going forward.
“I am sure that when anyone is called upon, they are going to give 100% to try to stay in the team for the next game.
“Wherever you play on the pitch, whether it be the left, on the right or down the middle, you are going to give you best for the team.
“I know I definitely have more levels to go, and I am really looking forward to doing that next season.”
How much of a say will these two Gunners have next season? And do you share their confidence in our title credentials?