What Can We Expect In 2009?

First of all, Happy New Year to all of our readers. As we leave 2008 we can look back on perhaps a year to forget for gooners. In 2008 we saw a title slip through our grip, a number of players leave the club, one of our own injured in Eduardo, and the team change from world-beaters to a UEFA Cup strength side. But 2009 is a new year, and thus a chance to turn it all around.

This year will probably not bring a Premier League title as we thought may happen last year, but I still believe we have a realistic chance of claiming one or both of the other two competitions: the Champions League or the F.A. Cup. And here's how we'll do both.

In order to win the F.A. Cup this season, Arsene Wenger needs to take the competition seriously. If we have to play a lot of our reserves, let's do it in the early rounds such as in the match coming up against Plymouth. But when we get to the difficult sides, I believe it's time to put this competition ahead of the league.

One trophy can make all the difference for a young team, even if it's the F.A. Cup. It can give them confidence and a belief to press on a put in a full effort. Just look at what one trophy did for Manchester Utd. In 2006 they won the League Cup. It wasn't a big trophy or even an important one, but after a few years of winning nothing, it felt to the Man Utd team wonderful. Then, with just one summer signing that year, they went on to win the Premiership title twice in a row and the Champions League last season. I think if we can just win one title, we will be back to our winning ways once again.

Now concerning the Champions League, I don't think we'll have to worry about effort: this team seem to save their effort and energy for the big European clashes and seem to decide not to waste it on the League. Whilst I don't like it, it's the way it is, and it may allow us to become Champions of Europe.

No, it won't be an easy path to the final, but I think that if we can avoid Barcelona until the final, then we'll be able to make it in this year's competition. We can beat anyone in Europe simply because they come out and attack us. Unlike the Premier League, a point isn't good enough for them, and when they come out to try to win, we exploit that space and punish them.

I, and I hope the team as well, don't fear anyone in Europe. The only team I don't think we could beat at the moment is Barcelona, but who knows? If we both make it to the final, we'll be different teams by May. And maybe that will allow us to get sweet revenge against the side that snatched away our first Champions League title in 2006.

Here's hoping for a wonderful 2009. I'm hoping that in the months to follow we will finally win another piece of silverware, the squad will be strengthened, and with the global financial crisis and our club's excellent financial health, we will come out of the year one of the only teams with real money to spare. It's going to be an exciting year, so let's get to it.

Fab 4