We all know that Arsenal can be brilliant and give any other team on the planet a run for their money, but we are also too well aware that in recent years we have not done it on a consistent enough basis to mount a strong enough challenge for the Premier League trophy.
We have had issues in big games against our EPL rivals and we have had times when we win those clashes only to let ourselves down in supposedly easier games. Sometimes it has just been a matter of having bad periods during a season but if Arsenal are to have a chance of being crowned champions of England next May we have to avoid these issues as much as possible.
Arsene Wenger seems determined to not let this happen and the Frenchman has been quick to remind the players about all this and he has done well to bring them back to earth after praising them for a good performance, but he can only do so much.
Once the team is out on the pitch we need men out there who will ensure that everyone is pulling their weight and trying their best to get the right result, so the comments from new Gunner Granit Xhaka reported by Sky Sports this week are very good for us fans to hear, as they make it seem like the midfielder has exactly the right attitude for the marathon of a league campaign.
The Swiss star said, “I’m happy that I’ve scored those two goals – don’t expect me to give that every week – but what’s most important is that the team play and perform well and that we reach our objectives.
“We obviously want to have a consistently good season and show the fans that we’re going to give absolutely everything in every game.
“Of course to do that we’re going to need a bit of luck along the way but we’re really going to give our all to have a successful season.
“It’s probably too early to say but we’re having a really positive phase and that’s something that we’re happy with.
“We need to do the same against Burnley on Sunday, we need to approach the game in the same way and make sure we go into the international break still in this positive phase.”
As long as the rest of the Arsenal players think the same way there should be no problem getting the win we need at Burnley. And if they can do it against the Clarets and keep focus throughout the season, will Arsenal be real contenders this time?
Bob.