9 Years On

3,283.

That is the number of days that separated Arsenal’s two FA Cup wins.

One in 2005, led by the vivacious Patrick Vieira.

The other in 2014, handed to them by the rumbling Aaron Ramsey.

3,283 days of pain, mockery, derision and laughter.
9 years of mistakes, of childishness, of broken promises and frugality.
9 years in hope of a better tomorrow that never came, of a day that never rose.

But finally, the Gunners of the Emirates are beginning to believe that they can re-create the mighty Arsenal of Highbury. This season, they were top of the Premier League for longer than any other team. They signed a superstar in Ozil, and nurtured a title-winner back to health in Ramsey. Szczesny shared the Golden Glove with champion Petr Cech.

Their game-play has been exquisite at times, such as Jack Wilshere’s stunning team goal against Norwich. Their speed has been breath-taking and their shooting has been terrific – all in patches, but fantastic patches. Tomas Rosicky’s bombastic derby winner against Tottenham is evidence of those brilliant patches. His fleet-footed one-twos through every defence in the league are another.

They haven’t been brilliant all season, and have been absolutely horrendous in a couple of matches. The shoot-out victory over Wigan was such a dire match they never deserved to win it, but for Fabianski’s able saves. The 6-3, 5-1 and 6-0 losses against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively were heart-breaking for the fans.

But just as they have done for 9 years, they kept chanting and have finally ended the starvation.

Now, what Arsenal need is to sign the striker they’ve always needed. Since Henry left, nobody has been truly able to finish the chances carved out by a beautiful and aesthetic footballing culture. Adebayor almost did it, but the side conceded too much.

If Arsenal can sign themselves a man in the mould of Falcao and a defender akin to Diego Godin, then they’d be challenging for serious titles. If Arsenal manage to hold on to the mercurial Sagna or at least sign a replacement of his calibre, they will fight for another trophy next season.

The spending has to be intelligent and controlled, but it must be large. They regularly make profits, and now is the time to invest them. Ozil will improve next season, and Ramsey can only go from strength to strength, like Jack Wilshere.

Next season will be hard, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all out for blood. But if Arsenal can get themselves a striker, keep Theo Walcott fit and add a powerful defender to their fold, then they’ll truly manage to do something great next season.
Wenger must be bold and audacious in the transfer market, and stop signing duds like Yaya Sanogo or Olivier Giroud. He must go for the very best, and he must get it.

Then, Arsenal will once again challenge for a trophy and not have to wait for another 9 years.