Callum wrote:My own personal opinion is that whilst this run is relatively short, and that there is a long way to go this season, there's something about the side this season that gives me some confidence that we're on the verge of something special. The Ozil signing has been vital, as it not only has brought a genuinely world class player to our club, but it's elevated us in terms of status. We are no longer a selling club, and we are prepared to spend when we need to - it is a signing that made the rest of Europe take notice. It has lifted the players and the fans, and there's a certain aura around the club that hasn't been here since the Invincibles. This side has a long way to go until it can be compared to those great players but it is, in my eyes, the first time in a decade that we will be feared by our opponents.
It has felt over the last few years that teams have seen Arsenal as something of a soft touch, and that if you rough us up a bit then you'll might end up victorious. Those days appear to be behind us - not only do we have a very good defense, but there seems to be a mentality amongst the side that was missing in years gone by. The players seem to love playing together and get on well, and when we suffer setbacks in games we are now able to hold out and grind out results in the way that we used to do.
Wenger, for all of his faults. has been building the side for two years as far as I can see it. The sales of Nasri and Fabregas hurt him, I'm sure, as did the 8-2 at Old Trafford. He could have walked away at that point and given up on his vision for this club, and he would have had his fair share of suitors. Instead, for better or for worse, he's rode out the storm and I truly hope we are coming through to the promised lands. His faith in older players, such as Arteta and Mertesacker, has added some stability to our side. The likes of Koscielny and Giroud have grown as players until his tutelage, despite coming from modest footballing backgrounds. His faith in Aaron Ramsey, amongst all others, seems to have resulted in us having one of the best young midfielders in Europe dominating games for us. It's all starting to look quite rosy and I really, truly hope that Wenger can bring the glory days back to Arsenal and stick two fingers at all those who mocked and laughed at him, and those who walked away.