Let’s be hopeful for a great 2024!

The Gunners have now played 26 matches this season, winning 18, drawing 4 and losing only 4. Arsenal is on top in the Premier League, and has advanced to the Champions League Round of 16. The club is building momentum for a truly enjoyable new year.

I have been an Arsenal supporter for nearly 20 years. I have lived through the drama of Robin van Persie and Alex Sanchez leaving for Manchester United, the greatness and the enigma of Mesut Oil, the disappointment of Unai Emery, the dismal decline of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, plus other pot holes along the way. I admired Arsenal Wenger for what he accomplished for the club, but felt he left at the right time. However, what followed was a few years of misery to say the least.

Being a sport fan can be a very emotional and anxiety-ridden lifestyle. The ups and downs, the cheers and the tears. It all adds up to hanging in there long enough for your team to find that special ray of light that shines brightly on future performances.

For me, Sunday’s match v Brighton and Hove was both shiny and bright. The Arsenal lads played terrific football against a very good club. Their aggression was noted from the very beginning of the match. The passing was as sharp as it has been all season, and their efforts were on full display. And, what about the resurgence of Kai Havertz. Many of us were concerned he had been a poor signing, however, the young German is starting to develop into a terrific Arsenal player. Hats off to Mikel Arteta and his squad for a sterling performance.

Today, the Gunners have drawn Portro as their next competition in the Champions League. This was a good draw for the club, however, Porto can not be brushed aside. The Portuguese team is currently 3rd in the Primeira Liga, just 2 points behind Benfica. Porto is loaded with top talent and will be a very good team to face in the two legs beginning on February 21st.

My biggest concern, as we enter a hornets nest of tough matches, is our fitness and our depth. Keeping players healthy remains a bone of contention among supporters. The team is thin in the midfield, plus central defense needs reinforcements as well. With rumors circulating that Edu Gaspar and Arteta are looking for a top striker in January, let’s hope the Gunners top brass don’t forget our need for back-ups in other spots because we know more injuries are undoubtedly on the way.

To be real, this has been a great season. The club is getting to the point where they can win any match they play. No opponent is now too big or too strong.

Let’s be proud of what they have accomplished so far this season, and let’s be hopeful for a great 2024!

Cheers.

Gunner1953