Good morning, Gooners!

Good morning, Gooners! (or good afternoon where you are)

I woke up this morning with a more positive attitude for my beloved Gunners.
For once, my mood is better and my outlook is brighter on a match day morning.

I feel confident Arsenal can pick-up three points at Brighton and Hove Albion today!

But, let’s be real. What we saw on Saturday can be no fluke, no one-off, no flash-in-the-pan performance. That 3-1 win over crosstown rivals Chelsea needs to be the catalyst the squad can build on, the fresh start. Can our fresh faced youngsters help get this train back on track, and climb the Premier League table?

Now look, I’m a total realist. I don’t for one minute think the Gunners will climb into the top four this season. We are just too far behind, with too many clubs playing more consistently and staying in contention for a top four finish. However, I think we have the ability to compete at a much higher level than recent results have shown, and I believe we can claw our way back into the top ten, and maybe even higher.

So, that leads me to the FA Cup and Europa League. As defending FA Cup holders, there is a lot of pride to play for. And as for the Europa League, that could be a path back to the Champions League for next season, if, and only if, the team takes it seriously and commits to winning that trophy.

Obviously, Mikel Arteta has his work cut out for him. He needs wins to keep the wolves away from his door. And, as I have written previously, today’s match, and the entire January fixture list, are huge games for our young Spanish manager. and yes, the January transfer window is also a chance to bolster his squad with “Arteta-type” players.

Arteta also needs to continue putting faith in some of his young talent, while also balancing their playing time so squarely on their young shoulders. Saka, Martinelli, Tierney, Gabriel and Smith make-up that group of “starboys.” I think they will provide the spark for a reboot to Arsenal’s season.

So yes, I feel good this morning. I’m look forward to today’s match, and hope and pray we see the same Arsenal we saw on Saturday.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Come on you Gunners!

Cheers.
Gunner1953