Arsenal Fans - Is This a Winning Team?

Article by Charlie Stone

Yes, that question sounds common and simple in our everyday living, but in the game of football, it's much more than that. A group of eleven players that collectively and individually possess in them, the will, skills, spirit and determination to play the beautiful game as a 'team', are 'winners'.

Last Tuesday night, in the group F Champions League match at the Emirates Stadium, saw a clash between two in-form teams in Arsenal and Napoli as they squared up in a classic bout. Arsenal tops the EPL table with two points, winning 5 out of 6, albeit losing their first game of the season at home to a youthful and resistant Aston Villa side. Napoli, in the Italian Serie A, have won 5 and drew just 1 in their 6 league games so far. Making both teams sound exciting, 'huge'(on paper), as well worth the bet.

I've supported Arsenal for as many as 15 years and counting, but have never watched them play as freely and fluently as they did in the first 15 minutes of this game. As I watched on, I remembered 'the invincibles'. What differentiated them was the physical presence that accompanied the class of 2003/04, like a set of wings accompany the kite. These current bunch are more mobile, individually technically gifted, and ooze an aura of resistance; a 'never give up' syndrome that only exists when the team & players trust one another. They compliment each others game from the back, to the front, and vice versa. It felt like a premeditated plan curled up by the legendary Wenger and carefully executed by the W-Army led by the wizardry of Mesut; the play maker.

In 15 minutes, they wilfully, skillfully and with a team spirit that begot so much determination, forced Napoli to give up all of the 3 points in contention. It was done so convincingly that a pal asked me in the first half if it was a training session...I smiled, while I looked on. Indeed, the club record breaking acquisition of Ozil, and the rusty way Flamini slid back into the Gunners fold even as some fans (including me) frowned, has indeed rejuvenated the team and of course cemented the belief they ended the last season with. It feels so good as a fan to watch your team play with one thing in mind; to win. In 22 games, 18 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss speaks for itself.

A game of two halves, many called it. "Play, push and split them as fast and as efficient as there can be in the first half, getting as many goals as possible. In the second half, sit back a little, see what they have, soak it in then break them up and hit them hard on the counter". I wasn't there in the home side's dressing room before the game on Tuesday night, but I envisioned the blonde Wenger, in his tall frame, dishing out these words to his Army (W-Army) as a last minute game plan. And yes, they applied every inch of it and joyfully went home with all 3 points.

Next weekend will see Arsenal play West Brom. A team that defeated the Red side of Manchester in their league encounter last weekend. Though arguably, Arsenal pushed this West Brom side out of the Capital One Cup with a team that had teenagers who only tasted their first top competitive match. That is not enough reason to underrate any team in the EPL. EPL is so competitive these days that records and jinx that have been there for decades are being broken and shattered. This is why it is tagged the most competitive league in the world.

I know it's too early to dream of a title come May, but from all indications, it's not so far from their reach. As long as they stick to their game, and the will, skill, spirit and determination remains in the team, they'll definitely soar!

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