3rd/4th vs A domestic cup double

[Marc Overmars]

I think the quality is there to compete for a cup as well as CL football, the problem is that we can't seem to cope when the fixtures pile up and we get a "season defining" week. When have we ever come out of one those in good shape? The Sunderland defeat following Milan was the most predictable result going.

It's not right to say the pressure was off. 0-2 down to Spurs the pressure was most certainly ON.

We've done remarkably well to put this run together, but I guess the frustration stems from what was mentioned earlier in the thread about Cups being for the fans, for me there isn't another buzz like it and it's disappointing that despite consistently being able to achieve our goal of top 4, we haven't managed to deliver a cup or 2 along with it.

It's not a question of one or the other, we absolutley should be able to do both. Just as Liverpool should be able to compete for the top 4 as well as the cups. It's not like City and United have monopolised these competitions as well, plenty of teams on our level and sometimes below us reach the latter stages.

[Flavs]

Ideally I'd like us to sign a marquee type player, just fo rthe fans to get excited, and someone who can win something out of nothing.....but I doubt that will happen.

If Wenger can get Podolski to not be mardy he is that player.

[Flavs]

1) Arsenal don't care about winning trophies, they only care about 4th place and getting money from CL football.
2) When 13 points behind the spuds and 7th position with a tough run of games (Sunderland A, Tottenham H, Liverpool A, Newcastle H, Everton A, Villa H), the pressure was off.

It doesn't add up.

I reckon the mentality, effort-levels etc. is fine. But lacking the genuine quality to truly compete on all fronts. You might say we've overachieved in the league with the resources we have. It has taken shit like junkie Rosicky suddenly turning in some great form and establishing himself as a regular starter and Theo learning how to play football. Slightly optimistic about next year because I like the look of some of our youngsters (non peeeeeeeeedo).

I do wonder how far behind we would have been had we not lost all 4 full backs for that period when it all went wrong. I think we would had been good for another 10 points which would have put us a short step behind the mancs. Just goes to show that major injuries plus the bad luck of them all coming at once left us screwed, the team that played Liverpool and Manyoo early doors were silly and the results at Swansea and Blackburn of course. Sine then we have been more where i expect.

[Flavs]

I do also wonder if we might pick up a couple of jobbers to reinforce the overall unit. People from the prem who wouldn't cost much but could do a job from the bench, like Benayoun has this season.

In fact i wouldn't be that surprised if Wenger took the option to keep Benayoun. Have also just seen that Clint Dempsey is coming into the last year of his contract so could be gotten for cheap, he would be an excellent rotation option.

[LDG]

I think there is room for cautious optimism. And I think that sums it up.

I still fear that we're a game away from cocking it up again, but I have every reason to believe that this squad has the basis to become a good side with a few additions in the right areas, and IF we can get our business done early.

The signs and sounds coming out of the club are very encouraging. I thik there has been a massive effort by all involved to get the fans back on side. Not just on the football pitch, but also through the media.

Just look at that Jenko Haircut article yesterday. I may be cynical, and it was a bloody good laugh, but these things are designed to bring the club back together again. It had become very fragmented, fans against manager / board etc. But one good thing to come out of the last two months, is that we're united again.

I think the fans are still very cautious, and it still needs a LOT of work over the summer. And if it becomes apparent that we're unwilling to do the necessary during season close, I think that will spell curtains.

[Flavs]

Indeed will be interesting to see how we react if/when we do lose a game, especially if its to a late goal or a dodgy penalty

[LDG]

Indeed will be interesting to see how we react if/when we do lose a game, especially if its to a late goal or a dodgy penalty

....and who the referees are for our games.

That said, we're over the Dean / Dowd hoodoo for now. Though I'm sure if we get them again, they'll do their best to cock us over.

[Flavs]

I don't think its a deliberate hatred of us, i just think they are shit.

[LDG]

I don't think its a deliberate hatred of us, i just think they are shit.

We have Mike Dean on Saturday

[Flavs]

We have Mike Dean on Saturday

Against B&Q? Oh shit