Brand New Stadium!

2005/06 EPL season had come to the final curtain last two week, and here I am again doing a brief review. Really couldn't believe it has been a year since I did a commentary review on 2004/05 Arsenal season here, namely The Invincibles. I am not prepared to go through a thorough analysis of how Arsenal season had been. But I would pluck one interesting point that I made last year - "Though the English Premier League title remains our first priority when fresh season kicks off, we will be ready to challenge the most prestigious cup – Champion League. Not only do we possess the ingredients but also we will be mentally capable of taking the trophy off Anfield".

I think it is safe to say that the first claim was negligible while the second---- YES! WE CAME SO CLOSE! I made a bold claim that Arsenal were ready to challenge the most prestigious cup, and they proved me right and the doubters wrong. They got into the Final for the first time ever in Arsenal history and were undeservingly defeated by eventual winner - Barcelona. With 10 versus 11 for over 70 minutes to go over the match. Still, we took the lead. My regret, also many viewers', is we didn't have the chance to watch a true classic final with even number. Until then, we dont' feel like losers - F. Fabregas. I think, as many would agree, we never lost.

I am also not inclined to speculate what trophy Arsenal will bring back after the World Cup fewer – new EPL season 2006/ 07, nonetheless my feeling is Arsenal nailing down the Premier League title for the fourth time under Arsene Wenger’s regime, while the Champion League will be a harder target though it is not unachievable. Arsenal will, I would argue, come back much hungrier and stronger than last season and not so obscure to foresee that they have formed the bond within the team i.e. they have learned as a team. The fact can be largely reflected from season 2002/03 where they came agonizingly close of landing back-to-back Premier League title but fell short and conceding to Manchester united. Soon after the season resume in 2003/2004 they achieved what was famously labeled by the Manager Arsene – The Invincible, in which they went through the whole season unbeaten. Similar feat is to happen for the upcoming season? We will see…..

But it is an engulfing feeling that we have a whole brand new stadium to play for. COME ON YOU GOONER!!!!