On the first day of the 2013/14 Premier League season, Arsenal’s players were booed off pitch after an insipid second half performance against Aston Villa. What a difference two months can make.
Fans berated manager Arsene Wenger, calling him to spend some money in the transfer market. The fans were also worried about a potentially tricky Champions League play-off tie against Turkish giants Fenerbahce four days after their defeat to Villa.
Two months later, and things are looking good for the North London club.
They beat Fenerbahce to qualify for the Champions League, sit on top of the Premier League table as well as their Champions League group, which contains such strong teams such as Marseille, Napoli and Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
Moreover, since that surprising home defeat against Aston Villa, the Gunners are undefeated.
Wenger heeded the calls of the fans after the poisonous atmosphere that littered the Emirates Stadium after Aston Villa’s victory.
Arsenal fans called mainly for a striker, as their acquisition of young forward 20-year-old Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer prior to the beginning of the season did little to assure them.
Wenger instead did two things.
The first was bringing in a defensive midfielder in the form of Mathieu Flamini. Arriving from AC Milan, the Frenchman has brought the strength, bark and steel that Arsenal sorely lacked in recent years.
He has brought the physicality, which critics said Arsenal lacked, making them prone to being outmuscled by physical teams such as Bolton and Stoke.
Since his arrival in late August, Flamini has done an excellent job of being the midfield anchor, bringing balance to an area of the field which is primarily full of creative attacking players.
More importantly, his protection of the back four gives Arsenal stability in the middle of the pitch.
Wenger’s second measure was the one that excited all Arsenal fans – the marquee signing of German international midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Though his acquisition broke their transfer record – they acquired him from Real Madrid for £42.4 million – his performances already have shown he is worth the fee.
Ozil’s ability to pick a pass, outstanding first touch and outstanding vision have set him apart as one of the world’s best midfielders.
Ozil is highly regarded, with both Manchester United and French big spenders PSG trying to snare him when he wanted out of Madrid, having realised the arrival of Spanish midfield starlet Isco and Bale would severely limit his playing time.
Ozil has already shown his worth to Arsenal with four assists and two goals in the Premier League, also scoring against Napoli in their 2-0 win in the Champions League.
It is Aaron Ramsey, however, who has symbolised the rejuvenation of Arsenal – a sight that warms the heart of every Arsenal fan.
Since his horrific leg break against Stoke in February 2010, Ramsey had struggled to overcome his injury, scoring just three goals in 22 months prior to this season.
The Welshman showed the level of his determination and grit by knuckling down, the result being that he is arguably the form midfielder in Europe.
Ramsey is on fire this season, scoring nine goals this season for club and country. This tally includes five goals and three assists in the Premier League, as well as four goals in the Champions League – three during the two legged play-off tie against Fenerbahce and the winner in their first group game away to Marseille.
Many Arsenal fans on Twitter have wryly remarked that Real Madrid bought the wrong Welshman in reference to Gareth Bale – the most expensive man in world football.
Though Arsenal sit atop the Premier League, Wenger will know there is a long way to go before the league’s conclusion in May.
Arsenal need to make additions in January, which will no doubt be focused on finding a striker to bolster main front man Olivier Giroud and reinforce their defence – a component that can be found wanting at times.
The silky football on display, highlighted by Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Norwich on Saturday, will have Gunners fans hoping they can mount a Premier League title challenge.
Or, at the very least, target a domestic title in the form of the League Cup or FA Cup.
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