End of the year, and part of the ritual is to take stock, and look forward towards the future with glorious plans and renewed expectations. And what a fantastic year this has been for Arsenal fans! At the midway stage in the Premier League last year, Arsenal was lying 7th, well off the pace for Champions League qualification, and even off Spursday football places. Qualifying second in their group, Arsenal faced a tough round of 16 encounter against Bayern Munich, one of the best teams in Europe at that stage. With significant changes to the Board, a new owner in tow, there were uncertain times for the club management. The fans were up in arms, with substantial ammunition provided by a negative press, dubious pundits and even the Arsenal Supporters Trust. Difficult times indeed!
But Arsenal managed to make a fantastic turnaround. Attaining qualification for CL was nothing short of a miracle! Yes, Arsenal lost out in a two leg epic battle against eventual winners Bayern, but before that showed their mettle in an amazing 2-0 away victory. Despite all the negativity, good progress was made in the summer transfer window. The progress continued in the current season, and Arsenal is sitting at the Top of the Premier League at the halfway stage. Qualification to the Champions League was gained from the aptly termed “Group of Death”. Grudging acknowledgement of Arsenal’s strength and mettle is gently arising from beneath the rubble of disdain and the green fumes of envy. Indeed, if the league was played over the calendar year, Arsenal would have been Champions of 2013. Oh, what a year this has been!!!
All in all, a good year in prospect. There are plenty of challenges yet to be met. Plenty of time still before we even begin to celebrate the achievements of this team. But, also plenty of positive vibes and expectation in tow. So AA ers, looking towards the future, what did we learn new about Arsenal this year, and what were we reminded of afresh, that we did not know with so much certainty one year back? Let us discuss. Here are a few of my tentative suggestions. It was not all rosy, though. Injuries continued through the year. The squad seems a bit thin. Progression to the round of 16 in the Champions League was gained, but only in second place. Like last year, we have drawn Bayern Munich. Lovely games in prospect, but significant challenges as well. And if the vitriol from the fans is a bit subdued due to the sustained run of fine results and resilience in the field of play, the negativity from the press and pundits continues unabated. Perhaps most importantly, whether by luck or design, Arsenal continues to be at the receiving end of poor refereeing decisions. Alas, some things never seem to change!
First, same time last year we did not know what a fantastic central defensive partnership, together with a very competent goalkeeper, we were developing. Indeed a large part of our success this year owes itself to the fantastic defensive pairing of Per and Kos. What a duo!!! And what a great leader in our beloved BFG! When Verms got injured, who would have thought we would have such a strong defence where even a fit squad captain cannot find a place?
Second, one of the best revelations of the year was the discovery that Ramsey had developed into such a fantastic player. He was the subject of much of the blame and vitriol during our indifferent showing in 2012. Perhaps somewhat undeservedly. But our beloved Rambo rubbed all these adversities off his shirt, returned in style from his long standing injury, and has grown to the stature of one of the best midfielders in the League, perhaps in Europe as well.
He has shown a very mature head as well, leading for his country at a very young age. In tow, Jack Wilshere is developing into a fine player, if somewhat idiosyncratic on occasions. Together with Theo, the Ox, Gibbs and Jenks, they also form a British core to the team which had been somewhat deficient for a while. Who would have thought a year back that Rambo would develop into such a fantastic and dependable player, and Jack’s game will be coming along so nicely as well?
Third, one of the most encouraging developments of the year, at least for me, was the maturity with which the owner Kroenke, Gazidis and the Board conducted themselves. Perhaps the best development was that the Board did not interfere in footballing matters, leaving team and signing decisions to the people who know best, led by one Arsene Wenger. If you think that this is not a surprise, look around at other clubs. Several clubs have met with significant disasters as a result of owner power, such as the Spuds, Cardiff and even the Chavs, and in some others the environment is not very nice even if the performance has not been equally devastating.
The principles of the club, that a fantastic team can be developed without wasting money on the wasteful purchase of overpriced bench idols, was not compromised by a new owner and a new look Board. Surely, this was not a given at the start of the year, after the club had gone through a rather aggressive ownership contest and change of hands.
Fourth, amid the mantra of financial fairplay and traditional hesitancy to spend big money, and the recovery from an expensive move to the Emirates, who would have thought that Arsenal would spend their money where it mattered most?
In the procurement of one Mesut Ozil, who despite his tentative adjustment to English football and the Arsenal way of playing the game, has given the team something really special, Arsenal showed purpose and ambition, and real ability to deliver trophies. This came together with the free transfer of one Mathieu Flamini – ah, what a fantastic transfer move!
Fifth, against the backdrop of significant unrest and disquiet among good-weather fans, ably supported by the press and pundits, who would have thought that the positive outlook of a sane fan-base would shine through? The struggle against the doubters and doomday-usherers still continues in earnest, in ArsenalArsenal and elsewhere, but The Home of Football still reverberates with the positive chants and outlook towards the new dawn awaiting in the New Year!!!!
AA ers, what do you think? My final thoughts are:
COYG! Onwards and Upwards!! A fantastic year 2014 awaits!!!!
Written by arnie
Arsenal Record 2013 Calendar Year
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 25 | 7 | 6 | 70 | 34 | 36 | 82 |
Where would 82 points put us in seasons past?
| SEASON | Winners | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | AFC on 82 points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | Utd | 38 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 68 | 24 | 44 | 90 | 4th |
| 2009-10 | Chavs | 38 | 27 | 5 | 6 | 103 | 32 | 71 | 86 | 3rd |
| 2010-11 | Utd | 38 | 23 | 11 | 4 | 78 | 37 | 41 | 80 | 1st |
| 2011-12 | Oilers | 38 | 28 | 5 | 5 | 94 | 29 | 65 | 89 | 3rd |
| 2012-13 | Utd | 38 | 28 | 5 | 5 | 86 | 43 | 43 | 89 | 2nd |
Chart by MickyDidIt
2013 Calendar Year League Table
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Points | vs Top 7 | Total Home | Total Away | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 38 | 25 | 7 | 6 | 70 | 33 | 37 | 82 | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| Shitty | 38 | 25 | 5 | 8 | 86 | 39 | 47 | 80 | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| Chavs | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 71 | 40 | 31 | 77 | 10 | 20 | 18 |
| ManUre | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 70 | 37 | 33 | 77 | 11 | 19 | 19 |
| Spuds | 38 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 55 | 46 | 9 | 73 | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| Dippers | 38 | 21 | 9 | 8 | 87 | 39 | 48 | 72 | 9 | 18 | 20 |
| Everton | 38 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 54 | 35 | 19 | 67 | 11 | 20 | 18 |
| Toon | 38 | 16 | 6 | 16 | 51 | 62 | -11 | 54 | 13 | 19 | 19 |
| Southampton | 38 | 12 | 15 | 11 | 49 | 43 | 6 | 51 | 13 | 19 | 19 |
| Villa | 38 | 11 | 10 | 17 | 50 | 58 | -8 | 43 | 11 | 20 | 18 |
| Swansea | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 44 | 54 | -10 | 42 | 12 | 18 | 20 |
| Norwich | 38 | 9 | 11 | 18 | 37 | 62 | -25 | 38 | 12 | 20 | 18 |
| Fulham | 38 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 39 | 67 | -28 | 38 | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| West Ham | 38 | 9 | 11 | 18 | 41 | 57 | -16 | 38 | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| Stokies | 38 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 34 | 60 | -26 | 35 | 11 | 19 | 19 |
| WBA | 38 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 45 | 61 | -16 | 34 | 12 | 18 | 20 |
| Sunderland | 38 | 7 | 10 | 21 | 36 | 62 | -26 | 31 | 12 | 19 | 19 |
Stat Overkill by GiE
Arsenal News 24/7
Before reading the post, I want to paste a chart.
Raddy, are you around? I’ve got two versions, one on excel and one word, I’ll try each, but who knows what they’ll look like, so can you be on standby to delete?
Micky emailing you now, send me the excel one and I’ll add to the post.
Arnie a cracking round up of the years events 2013 has been a very good year for us Gooners, let’s hope it continues into 2014.
Arnie, fine article on year 2013. Lets hope 2014 brings much of the same.
As you say….Onwards and Upwards.
Motning all, and thank you for a composed and level headed review of the year Mr Arnie (J Rimmer ?).
I’m finally back from the Island of eternal spring to the island of eternal cloud and damp, and a ho ho ho it feels like now.
A great position to be in as we head into yet another new year, (where does all that time go?) and things look a lot rosier than they have done in the goonerverse.
Sadly the squad looks decimated for the Cardiff game, according to Wenger’s presser.
Rambo out for 3 weeks, Ozzy out for 2-3 and Rosicky, Theo, Vermaelen and Monreal doubtful with Olly and Gibbs out for the Cardiff game.
Anyone left ? 😦
arnie. I thought you said “a few lines”!
It has been a great year to be a Gooner, much to discuss, some downs but far more ups.
My hope for AFC in 2014 is to start beating Chelsea, MU and MC.
Chary. Were you really stuck in Tenerife since Xmas?
Thanks for the team news ahead of the game, it appears we will discover how strong the squad is.
Actually I got back on Saturday, I should have been back on Xmas Eve, Radders, apparently Big Ron was at the hotel I stayed in although I didn’t see him myself.
The AFC word of the day I think is “threadbare”.
The starting XI will be quite easy to pick based on all those absences: Chesney, Sagna. BFG, Kozzer, Monreal(if he passes the fitness test), Santi, Arteta, Flamini, Bendy, the Pod and Gnabry would be my guess.
Its home v Cardiff…no worries 😀
Arnie
What a fabulous and uplifting year end report. Thank you very much.
My highlights:
Spuds and the news that Newcastle had scored.
Dortmund away trip with Raddy.
Mert and Kos development.
Every Sz near howler. I love them.
Arsene and Zipgate.
That Goal.
Oh, and the small matter of signing Herr Mesut Ozil
Which goal Micky?
Jack against Norwich?
Rambo against Norwich/L’pool/Dortmund?
Mesut against Napoli?
Phantom Newcastle Equaliser?
Excellent choices Didit.
Plus the second 5-2
This goal …………….
I need a tissue…..love the Emirates Orgasm
Fantastic arnie, and underpinning it all great character and determination showed by management and players alike.
Winning the league this year would be glorious, and I feel we will do it.
Vindication though has already arrived. Next year we will be stronger and even stronger the year after that. Theres no stopping Arsenal, its like a force of nature.
My New Year resolutions include indulging my favourite two passions, Arsenal Football Club and pretending ime some one ime not to make me feel big.
The Ghosts of the Thirties are Stirring..
Thanks arnie, a suitably gushing report for a great year that at some stages promised to be a disaster. Top marks to AW for sticking to his guns and proving doubters like me wrong. All we have to do now is prove the doubting press and pundits wrong and keep it up to the end of the season …. onwards and upwards indeed! 😛
Stat fans I’m going to put the full 2013 league table up in a minute.
Can I be first to start some transfer speculation…..we need a big strong centre forward….there are rumours Napoli may offload Higuain?
Exile
Wow, thank you for putting up my chart. (it’s now at then end of Arnie’s post).
Something very funny about an enormous unit like yourself wanting a tissue :-0
Peaches
Yip. That goal 🙂
Damn, I watch that goal, and suddenly, nothing else really matters 🙂
mickydidit89…..10:54……Oh yes it does…….the EPL 2014 championship 😀
Well, looking at that brilliant chart I did up there, I’d say we need to score more 🙂
(attention seeking tosser 🙂 )
Exile
Loving the Higuain story. Not fast enough for my liking, but definitely expensive enough 🙂
Ozil to HIguain must have some previous 😀
Bloody hell Exile
Took me ages to add up all the Arsenal numbers.
You must be the Linford Christie of the abacus world 🙂
Mmm, didn’t Maureen sign Hig for Madrid? If so, could be a tube ride to Fulham Broadway for him.
Haha Micky it’s all in my swingometer spreadsheets….
He also signed Ozil i believe……..speaks volumes that Mesut didn’t want to go and play for the Eye-Gouging One
I questioned Steve Clarkes sacking but when you look at their last 38 games it’s not hard to see why WBA Board thought there was something amiss.
I see Martinez has upped the price for Barkley….”we can resist bids due to our strong financial position”.
Only a couple of seasons back Everton fans leaked financial information following a meeting with the Board about why the club could not spend, though Kenwright is a true Blue he had been searching for a buyer which indicates to me he can’t find it anymore than he has.
A big bid and they will have to sell I fear.
I can see Barkley ending up at united. It would be a cert if Fergie was still in charge but maybe Gollum will put him off – let’s hope so. Much as we admire him, we can’t want him at Arsenal – we have the Ox, Eisfeld and Gnabry all of a similar ilk.
Strewth, a monster Post arnie, aided and abetted by that delinquent GIE. Excellent stuff good sirs! 🙂
Team news: Who is fit to face Cardiff?
Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of Wednesday’s game against Cardiff City at Emirates Stadium:
on the team news…
Starting of course first with Ramsey and Ozil who are out, and we lost Gibbs at Newcastle with a calf strain. We have as well Monreal and Vermaelen who are not certain to be ready because they have come just back from illness, then we have uncertainty about Rosicky, Wilshere, Walcott. We lost Giroud to an ankle problem at Newcastle so this morning will be more medical checks to see who will be available for the game.
on Ramsey and Ozil…
Ramsey three weeks and Ozil has seen a specialist last night, I haven’t got a report yet.
on Walcott and Rosicky…
Walcott has a little shoulder problem. Rosicky got a little kick on his calf. They are all going to be assessed this morning.
on Oxlade-Chamberlain…
Alex is one week away from normal training.
Copyright 2013 The Arsenal Football Club plc.
Chas,
My family did in fact stand under the clock at the North end but their were only 30+ of us not 300+.
Incredible and indelible memories all the way back to the war years. My family has supported Arsenal for over 100 years with my maternal Grandfather having watched the very 1st game at Highbury. He lived just a few streets away on Stavordale Road, which is now a lot closer to The Emirates than it was Highbury.
Now I’m going to read the post.
Fantastic article Arnie and some great stats also.
Just on those stats, I would be interested to know our record against Chelsea, City and Utd over the last few seasons, rather than the top 7, as it’s in those games that I still feel we lack something.
As for 2013, Bayern away turned our whole season around. Great performance, but even greater management by Arsene to convince the team that the experience of a win against a pretty lacklustre Munich side on the night (who didn’t know wether to stick or twist) was something that could be carried into all away games for the rest of the year. A brilliant example of how managing the sides mentality is just as important as managing their ability.
Newcastle away has to be up there, Espescially when you add the Spuds celebrating a mystery goal! That will long live in the memory.
My other favourite moment was Mesut Özil signing. It finally felt like we had escaped the shackles of the stadium move and were starting to concentrate on being a football club again, rather than a business within football. Hopefully he will be the spark that begins an era of success.
A very Happy and Healthy New year to you all, the owners, the moderators and the bloggers that make this site going on a day to day basis.
FG this is our complete PL record against these 5 teams.
For those inflicted with stat-itis here is our complete PL record after the 1st 19 games. Push the title’s over one space.
W D L PTs GF GA
1992/3 9 2 8 29 22 20
1993/4 8 7 4 31 18 11
1994/5 6 6 7 24 23 22
1995/6 8 7 4 31 24 15
1996/7 10 6 3 36 35 18
1997/8 9 6 4 33 34 22
1998/9 8 8 3 32 21 11
1999/0 11 3 5 36 34 20
2000/1 10 5 4 35 30 18
2001/2 10 6 3 36 39 23
2002/3 12 3 4 39 39 20
2003/4 13 6 0 45 35 12
2004/5 12 5 2 41 47 22
2005/6 10 3 6 33 27 15
2006/7 9 6 4 33 35 17
2007/8 13 5 1 44 36 15
2008/9 9 5 5 32 32 23
2009/10 13 2 4 41 51 21
2010/11 11 3 5 36 39 22
2011/12 11 3 5 36 35 26
2012/13 9 6 4 33 39 21
2013/14 13 3 3 42 37 18
I obviously need a lesson in how to keep the column’s in line.
GN5 I think those winning percentage figures are incorrect.
Using your table the figures should be
vs Chelsea 42%
Vs Liverpool 33%
vs Man city 64%
Vs Man U 22%
vs Totts 49%
Average win % only 42.
These figures are a historical anomaly and very soon to be revised upwards 🙂
Good luck in 2014 for all the AAers
Great post, Arnie. The best single moment for me was Jack’s goal V. Norwich. Probably the best team goal I have ever seen Arsenal score in 62 years of support and thousands of matches.
Can’t remember anything better including the invincibles etc. Anybody think they’ve seen anything to beat it ?
Belfast Gooner,
They are expressed as a % of points won not games won, so they are in fact correct.
Walcott, Wilshere and Vermaelen are all training today so maybe the injuries are not quite as bad as first thought. Let’s hope anyway.
Arnie, Interesting post with some good “factual data” charts. (Thanks also GIE)
Does not appear to be as many injuries as first feared so we should not have any worries for tomorrow. The German sports news is reporting that Ballotelli may well sign for Chelsea in the coming days!
Happy New Year to everyone on AA and especially to those of you that take the time to write a daily post. Hats off to you all.
Motning EST and afternoon GMT everyone. Thanks a lot, everyone, for your kind comments. Good stats as well, Micky and GiE. I will go through the comments now. Back later. 😀 😀 😀
ahhhhhh, what a lovely post from arnie! I am glad you wrote the last post of the year, it is good to finish on a high note 🙂
you are so right about the importance of the dignity and class shown by the owner and the boards. I would hate to be a Chav or a Cardiff fan; their glory hunters are probably pleased, but the true fans suffer, no doubt about it. Yes, we can be proud of this year’s achievements and look forward to the next one’s – happy New Year Gunners around the world!!
Evonne: Thanks a lot. Not so much end of the year, but the beginning of a new dawn. Work in progress, yes, but progress nevertheless. As Terry says: “The ghosts of the 30s are stirring”.
Raddy: I intended to write a few lines, but as ever, my thoughts became somewhat elaborate and expansive. I am so glad you all like this.
My personal highlight for the year, beyond the team and its development, is that I happened to discover AA. Keep up the good work, guys. Great fun!!! 😀 😀
Peaches: Lovely photos to go with the post. Thanks a lot, indeed. You guys do a fantastic job on maintaining this space. Great great stuff. 😀 😀
Micky: I had to traverse more than a 1000 miles to recount the progress over the year! Many more miles to go still!!!
“And miles to go before I sleep”!!!! 😀 😀
Last stats of this year:) @Arsenal have had 83% succes. rate in BPL in 2013 when Rosicky started, while only 65% without him in first XI.
anyway, hepi new year to all of you guys at ArsenalArsenal. Its ben an enjayable ride with you guys, heres hoping for more success for Arsenal in years to come..
Flippin superb, arnie.
You are a true spiritual gooner approaching the seventh plain of nirvana.
What a beard, too. 🙂
Look at the feckin biceps on that…….
https://twitter.com/Sarah_Arsenal/status/418071645606387712
GN%,
Apologies, I was using poetic licence to illustrate the enormity of the GN5 clan 🙂
Mr & Mrs BR heading out into the firework laden night to party with the rest of the loons (it really is mad here – everyone is firework obsessed).
I wish you a happy and safe evening and see you next year
Chas
Them ain’t biceps, them be “bingo wings” 🙂
Happy New Year all.
Over and out for 2013.
What a cracker to end the year with!
Well done Arnie (and Micky and GiE).
We have finished top of each of the last two ‘half seasons’ in the EPL. If we can do it one more time, glory awaits for this hard working and talented group of players.
HNY to all you AA-ers.
Peaches/Rasp
I can do a Post for tomorrow if required.
Sill me – it’s a BR pre-match day.
Scrub that.
Even silly me.
I haven’t even started drinking yet.
Rocky 🙂 🙂 Happy New Year to you and your family xx
Same to you and yours evonne
From me and the fairies 😀 😀 (but not Micky’s sort of fairies)
he he he he 🙂 I love a good fairy tale with a happy ending, but believing in it is a different ball game, certainly not footy!
I wish all AAers that their team reaches new heights this coming year!!
See you all next year xx
Top of the League: This is how I feel. HNY
Chas: 😀 😀 Thank you, mate. The beard is now suitable trimmed in preparation for year end festivities!!!!!
Rocky: good fun!!!! two down, one to go!!!
The signing of Mesut Ozil
Jack Wilshere’s goal against Norwich.
Ollie’s goal against spuds.
Happy, happy, happy.
I’m late and early 😉
Happy New Year to all my favourite Gooners, looking forward to trip to the Tavern in a few hours and then on to THOF.
Come on you reds ………….
Peaches: COYG!!!!!!! Happy New Year 2014, all …… 😀 😀 😀
Incredible post and team effort boys. Worthy of our great team play. Also thoroughly enjoyable comments also. Let’s get the next half started!
Happy New Year AAers.
Happy New Year everyone.
I don’t envy Raddy picking his line up for today as there is uncertainty about so many players, though Ramsey,Giroud and Ozil are all definitely out.
Regardless of the mess that Cardiff are in, they are not to be taken likely and we need a resounding win to lay down our intentions for the rest of the season.
Happy New Year everybody peeps.
These are the most crucial 3 points we’ve played for since Sunday.
Massive, must win game. Turning point of the season.
If we can win with no players, then everyone’ll know we mean business.
Motning, kelsey. Hope 2014 is better then 2013 for you.
Indeedy, Happy New Year all.
Peace happiness and harmony to everyone in the new year 😀
Sometimes stats seem to confirm your suspicions about referees.
Chas
Just plain weird 🙂
Rasp
Stop taking the peace 🙂
Never mind the rodents and the sheep …….. I want to see Micky on a surfboard, he must have bought that camera for his son by now 😉
Who will be the emergency centre forward today? 😉
I vote for Koscielny he’s very good at scoring crucial goals
Morning peaches, let’s hope that the striking viking will uncharacteristically have resisted the temptation to party last night and will lead the line as effectively as OG 😕
all the best guys!
Let’s start the new year on the high – 5:0 ? 😉
Peaches – and so is Bendtner
LB – happy vid is fab
Rasp – are you going to the game?
Morning evonne, no sadly I shan’t be there today – are you going to any more games soon?
OK, New Year ……
…. New post ……