BACK IN BUSINESS ... Walcott and
Fabregas' return has sparked Arsenal's revival
A 4-1 victory at Wigan, coupled with Everton’s 3-3 draw
at Aston Villa, means the Gunners look nailed on to finish fourth
in the Premier League.
It seems everybody at The Emirates is happy — at least
happier than they were a few months ago.
But I am not.
I am obviously pleased my old club have moved closer to
qualifying for next season’s Champions League. But I am also
saddened that finishing fourth in the top flight is seen as
something of an achievement at Arsenal these days.
Is that enough?
Arsenal should be challenging for trophies, especially
the Premier League title.
Unfortunately the Gunners have not looked like winning
anything for ages. The last time they picked up a trophy was in
2005 when they won the FA Cup by beating Manchester United on
penalties.
Four years without winning a trophy is not good for a
club like Arsenal.
I know a lot of Gooners who are a bit peeved with the
situation. But they have kept the faith because they believe
manager Arsene Wenger is the Messiah.
For long spells this season they must have wondered if
that faith was misplaced as their team looked like they would
finish outside the top four. Now that really would have been a
disaster.
Arsene maintained his confidence in his squad and the
return of key players, such as Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and
Theo Walcott has coincided with an upturn in his team’s
fortunes.
And while fourth place is no reason to celebrate,
Theo’s form is.
Sven Goran Eriksson’s decision to include him in
England’s 2006 World Cup squad before he had even kicked a ball for
Arsenal was a jaw-dropping moment.
I was surprised Arsene rubber-stamped the debacle. It
could have ruined the youngster’s career.
But, inadvertently, Theo seems to have benefited from
the experience.
That is not down to Sven, who deserves no credit for
Theo’s development. It is down to the work Theo and Arsenal have
done on dealing with hype and becoming a better player.
It’s great to see the way he has developed from a shy
teenager into one of the Premier League’s best young players.
I must admit there were times when I wondered if he
would fulfil that potential. Arsene has had to be patient with him
and played him on the wing for his own protection.
That was so frustrating because while Theo could beat
any full-back for pace, he never had a trick in him.
I have always believed he would be better playing as a
striker. That view has not changed.
Not only does he have the pace to frighten defenders,
but he is a great little finisher too.
I have racked my brains trying to figure out a frontman
he is comparable with — and I cannot find the answer.
That’s because he is unique. There is no other forward
like him.
I am sure he could play there for Arsenal and, in the
not too distant future, for England.
Who knows? With Theo down the middle, supported by a
few more quality signings, the Gunners might actually win
something.
And that really would be something to celebrate.