In Wenger we trust (barely) - Champions League beckons for Arsenal

“I always knew that it would boil down to the last day” – The Last Day Drama

And what a last day it was! For a never-say-die Gunner like me, as well as the millions of fellow supporters around the globe, the encounter at St. James’ Park was the game of the season; for Europe glory hinged on it, for big player signings depended on it, for a million prayers were driving it. At exactly 8:30 IST, both Arsenal and Tottenham took to the ground, to seek wins against their oppositions – Newcastle United and Sunderland respectively, with both managers knowing that a win, and a win only, will suffice.

Arsenal started somewhat slowly, as their hosts started to gain confidence with every forward push. The forward line trio of Walcott, Podolski and Cazorla (I would prefer this on any given day to Walcott, Giroud, Podolski), started to get their act together, as both teams started to play better. For the Magpies, this game was special. Steve Harper, a legend in his own right, wore the captain’s armband as he stood in front of goal for the last time in his career. He was given no respite though by Walcott and co., as they continued to pile the pressure, in pursuit of that 1 goal which would guarantee them of a spot in Europe’s elite tournament.

For Arsenal, Ben Arfa, the ever so dynamic French forward, looked ominous and threatened to spoil Wenger’s plans time and again.

A moment of fear encapsulated the Gunners, as skipper Mikel Arteta was forced to be taken off due to injury and was duly replaced by Oxlade Chamberlain, even as Arsenal’s best player of the season (in my opinion), Jack Wilshere watched on from the bench.

Fast forward to the second half , and we could only hope that Wenger had an ace up his sleeve. Should he bring in Wilshere, or Giroud or Gervinho (an abomination of a striker by all means) for that elusive clincher? That was the question racing through my mind, even as Newcastle conceded a free kick in the 52nd minute. Walcott delivered a dangerous looking ball inside the box, and Laurent Koscielny was the fastest to react, latching on to it to volley a thunderous right-footer past a hapless Harper. That set the tone of the match, as a visibly excited Koscielny danced and pranced around with his team-mates.

I could not help thinking back to last season when his goal sealed the third spot for us. Koscielny, by his own right, has become a complete Arsenal player, marshalling his defence with a vigour that has marked his coming of age in this season. His partnership with the reclusive Per Mertesacker has been a revelation too, as the two, along with Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna (presumably on his way out of the Emirates), ensured that there would be no further drama, even as Bale once again provided an already faded glimpse of hope for Spurs, with a late wonder strike yet again. Giroud and Wilshere did come on as inconsequential substitutes, but that was all just for formality’s sake at that point.

From here and after – The impressive and the disappointing:

So, 1-0 to the Arsenal brings Champions League for the 16th consecutive time, and most importantly, we finish above Spurs yet again! But, do we glorify the “Professor” or do we see this result and its consequences as the only ambition he now harbours? Is top four finish now the top priority for us? Certainly not, more so when you know that Wenger has barely touch the bank during last two transfer windows.

Agreed, the three signings prior to the start of the season have been nothing short of a master stroke (with a pinch of salt of course). You have Podolski, Cazorla and Giroud, who together have pumped in 34 goals between them, even as Giroud, silently overshadowed RVP in terms of first season goals tally. Another new signing, who has really impressed, is Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal – a hurried signing if you remember, courtesy a Gibbs injury.

An then you have Walcott – I remember how he gave me a frightening reminder of the RVP saga in January, culminating with the ‘then’ top-scorer of the Premier League renewing his contract for a reported £100,000 per week wage. Theo, in my opinion has progressed in rapid strides during the course of the season, netting in 21 times – the highest for his team. His forward runs are now a heady mix of speed, agility and what is more impressive, is that his assists are starting to really count in. Backed by a strong midfield (on paper), this is one aspect that I really look forward to in the next season.

One of the key reasons as to why the midfield is strong on paper is, simply put, the fact that we do have a star studded presence there. How can you have players like Cazorla, Rosicky, Ramsey, Arteta, Chamberlain, Wilshere and not be formidable? But sadly, the midfield has been a bit of a let down, considering a bulk of the Arsenal way of playing is expected from them. Arteta and Ramsey are the biggest culprits to have come out of the line-up. Arteta, ever since making his move from Everton, has forever been a blow hot, blow cold player. At times, his deft touches and passes would remind me of a certain Cesc, but then you see the number of occasions he has given the ball away and conceded mindless fouls and you just can’t help but think that he still has to mature as a true playmaker.

Another player who registers in my “not-so-impressive” book is Aaron Ramsey. True, Ramsey has been used constantly by Wenger as a defensive midfielder, but his overall performance still leaves a lot to be desired, with some fans even calling for his head. For me, Ramsey needs more time, for he has not been the same player after coming back from that horrible injury.

What has befuddled fans though, is how sparingly a wonderful player like Tomas Rosicky, has been used by Wenger. A proven magician, Rosicky has started on only 7 occasions and appeared in only 10 league games. It will be no surprise if he chose to seek greener pastures this summer. Wenger needs him, and he needs to use him more often.

Well, I could seriously go on and on about the performances of the team, but the bottom-line is that Wenger needs to spend, and spend big. He has promised us to do so, and with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Stephan Jovetic, Ashley Williams (well these are the only realistic ones according to me) and supposedly the already signed Yaya Sonogo (God knows where Wenger finds all these French recruits from) being linked to the club, the next season could be the one where we stamp our authority and challenge for the title.

I am certain that the Cazorlas , the Walcotts, the Wilsheres, the Girouds, the Podolskis will all just get better with time, and I do hope and pray that Wenger realises that 8 years without silverware is too long a period. I hope he realises the fans cannot wait any longer. I hope he realises that the team’s undying effort and tenacity to go out and play their hearts out every match must be matched with an equal effort from him.

But for now, we rejoice. For now, every Gunner’s heart lies with Wenger, their trust firmly in place. For now, London is Red, for yet another season, and the Professor has the last laugh.