Yeah, it's conceded in reality although we'll talk the talk until the maths go against us. According to the media (add salt to taste) summer 2014 is when we make our first real push because that's when the new money starts to become available. I think, like us, Wenger is probably surprised how well we have done this season. It has generated expectations where none existed. From the ridiculous to the 2% away from sublime.

Not signing a striker in the summer and then failing to sign one in January is the signal we won't be making a serious tilt this season. Although we could get lucky of course, Giroud may not get injured (but watching him play recently suggests he'll at least drop dead from fatigue) and the gypos may collapse, but they have stumbled upon a stable manager through trial and error and coupled with their mega million quid player in every position (three times over) policy they are unlikely to falter.

Don't know about the rest of you but my hopes lay on staying tough and in contention until January so we could call in the reinforcements. Not necessarily big name/ big fee players but somebody that could allow Giroud a couple of weeks off. Now we are asking him to go to May in three comps with no respite, unless we consider Bendtner an option (but surely not). If he manages it, amazing. 99% chance he won't.