This time last year I was feeling exactly as I am now – a mind boggling concoction of nervous and excitement for the upcoming season and potential transfers. If right then, somebody had told me we would finish in the Champions League spots and win a trophy, after what seemed like a century, I would have been more relieved than excited at first. Last season was definitely one of the more positive in recent seasons. Although the season started in what was the worst way possible, it soon picked up which saw us top the table on New Years Day. Said run featured some spectacular performances from Arsenal which will live long in the memory of our fans, including wins over Napoli and Liverpool at the Emirates, and perhaps the game which will go down as one of Wengers all time greatest involved silencing the infamous Yellow Wall of the Westfalenstadion by beating Borussia Dortmund 1-0. Unfortunately a mid season slump prematurely ended our chances of adding a fourth Premier League title to our collection, but a pick up in fortunes in the last few weeks meant that we could celebrate with a well deserved parade!
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To the point – Last season was a generally positive one for Arsenal, and hopefully we can build on the success and make next season even better. Here are four reasons for Arsenal fans to be excited for the 2014-15 season.
One – Less Pressure
Who can forget the pulsating FA Cup final in May? Before the celebrations could kick in, all I could feel was sheer relief. Relief that nobody could pull the ‘nine years’ stunt whenever Arsenal came up, relief that we had finally won a trophy and relief that that disaster of a start had not cost us the Cup. I’m sure Arsenal fans around the globe felt exactly the same way as I did, and I guarantee that our players would also have felt the same way. All the pressure that comes with a trophy drought will have been lifted off their back. This means that next season the players will feel more relaxed which will lead to better football and hopefully better results. They also now have a winning mentality – Our players now know what it’s like to win and they are going to do everything they can to win again.
Two – Transfers
I’m certain that somebody was sitting here this time last year talking about how Arsenal fans should be excited for new players coming into the club, but we all know that the summer ended in huge disappointment (bar Mesut Ozil). However, this summer has finally showed signs of changing. #SanchezSigns is currently doing the rounds on various social networks as Gooners the world over anticipate more transfers. With the signings of Ozil and Sanchez it really does appear that this is the summer things will change for Arsenal. These players aren’t the kind of youth or below average players that had to be brought during the years of austerity caused by the Emirates stadium – these are seasoned professionals who know what it’s like to win. With a few more transfers we will be in a great position to claim more silverware.
Three – Wenger has learnt
Wenger has been a professional manager for 30 years, and Arsenal have been lucky to have him for 18 of those. But even at his ripe old age, he will have learnt. He will be looking at what undermined Arsenal last season. Injuries, lack of tactics and lack of squad rotation. Between now and the start of the season he will be working relentlessly to iron out those creases. Next season don’t be surprised to see more squad rotation and new training methods to ensure the squad stays fit, while Wenger adapts his tactics depending on our opponent.
Four – The Fans!
This is a shout out to the fans that don’t always get the credit they deserve. Our fans have been fantastic this season, spurring the team on through the good and bad times. Next season we will only be louder!
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