by MIKE HARVEY Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Over the years, the International break has rarely treated us well. It seems that every time, at least one member of our squad picks up an injury, after going away to represent their country. As you may have already guessed, and like some of you I’m sure, I am not a fan of the international break.
Despite that, I believe that the next two weeks could be a massive favour for our side. Admittedly, our form has dipped significantly since the League Cup final and we need to get back on track and start winning again, sooner rather than later. Because if things don’t improve soon, we will have wasted our best chance to win the league, since we were invincible.
We have 9 league games left – 5 of which that take place next month. Our April fixtures see us going against Blackburn and Liverpool at home, and we’ve also got to travel to Bloomfield Road, White Hart Lane and The Reebok. And on top of that, our first 2 games in May are against Manchester United and Stoke City. Honestly, based on our current form, the run-in appears to be next-to-impossible.
Like I’ve suggested, I don’t believe we are good enough to pick up maximum points in these remaining games. This is why I believe the International break could do us a world of good. Yes, it’s a very tough run in. But if our side truly deserves to be awarded the “champions” title in May, the remaining fixtures should not prevent us from winning our first league title since 2004.
And this is where I feel the break could help and get us back on track. I think all of our players need to escape from the Premier League for a little while, and have a much-needed break from life in England. Things are bad at the moment and we desperately need things to improve, before it’s too late. From a personal point of view, I will never give up the title as long as it’s still mathematically possible to win it. And in that sense, it should be a long time until we begin to think like that.
I genuinely believe that Fabregas, van Persie, Wilshere and the rest of our International stars will come back stronger in time for our next game, which sees us host a tricky Blackburn Rovers side on April 2nd. Although there is an element of hope in there too, I believe we will bounce back.
Why am I so confident? – Not only should we bounce back, but our side needs to bounce back. And I fully believe Wenger is the right man to fuel them with desire, passion and determination. He’s a man who has shown huge faith in them all, most of which from a young age as well. He is the last person involved at Arsenal Football Club that is going to give up this title fight. Deep down, I think even Arsene regrets not spending in January – but only in hindsight. You can say what you like about AW, but I don’t believe there’s a manager that wants to win the Premier League more than him.
Like the players, let’s also take a break from it all. I think we’re due it. But when our players do return from the international break, don’t stop supporting them as they need us to drive them on to victory. You may not believe that we’re going to win the league, but do not stop supporting the club, just because it seems that we’re not going to win the title. Only one great team can claim the title each year.
Come on you reds.
… I’m just hoping that I don’t look like an idiot in a fortnight’s time, when half our side returns crippled as they come back to London Colney. Fingers crossed…
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