It’s been a LONG wait for the match against Blue Balls. We’ve led up with solid hardware in the minor warm ups but that’s nothing to be discounted. The team seems to be playing with some swagger missing from the last few seasons. Leading up to the Community Shield match I couldn’t help but be crazy nervous. It’s a game that we lose and the boo birds come out but win and it gets minimized to “that isn’t really a game” montage. Truth is, a gaffer like Mou doesn’t like to lose. Ever. Certainly not to AW. The thing is, AW turned it upside down on him by beating him at his own game. This time, the TEAM approach really took charge and what I clearly saw was a club capable of taking the league.

Little side note here, years ago I played competitive baseball and was on a travel team that including guys that had played together for years. One summer we really hit that groove, where no matter the score or game we just knew we were going to pull it out and win the game. There were many tournaments where we would be down 5 or 10 runs halfway through and then all of a sudden we’d go on a run, not allow another run and pull out the win. This Arsenal teams reminds me of that type of team/experience; they are starting to really exude the mentality that goes with just accepting the game is going to be a win no matter what.

Now, I am not about to compare this squad to the invisibles but it’s damn hard to ignore the talent and compatibility of this squad. We finally have depth across all fronts (ok, maybe not the central striker role) and a real sense that this team KNOWS how to play together. On twitter I have re-watched the ticky-tacky play where Cesc did about three pirouettes and just can’t help but smile and think to myself “damn, they are starting something here”. Now, typically pressure mounts on a squad like this BUT for some reason I feel like they are playing lighter than usual. They’ve won hardware recently and really, they don’t have anything to prove. Blue balls are defenders, Man City continues to spend out the nose, Man U needs to make a title challenge… barring injury (don’t even get me started) I think Arsenal actually could slip in and really get a run going this year.

Yes, I am excited for this year. You have to remember, I became a supporter DURING the hardware drought. I didn’t get the joy of Invincibles or league trophies. I was damn happy this squad finally didn’t have early UCL matches and some real depth across the entire of our lines. This is an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan: we have talent, depth, youth, pace, a brilliant manager… and now confidence. That my friends could be what we need to finally press to the top and stay there for the entirety of the season.

Oh, and I don’t care how the damn game is won. One nil to the Arsenal is always a happy tune… especially when it comes at the expense of “The dipshit One”.

COYG.