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ARSENAL TO THE NEW YEAR


So today  as battle recommences in Norwich after surely the longest and dullest International break of all time. Between now and the end of the year Arsenal games come thick and fast. In 41 days Arsenal play 11 times that’s approximately a match every 4 days. This is a pivotal part of the season; before the transfer window and prior to the FA Cup kicking in

AWAY
Norwich
Wigan
Olympiacos

Manchester City PL
Aston Villa
HOME
Borrussia Dortmund
Fulham
Manchester City CC
Everton
Wolves
QPR

Clearly we are going to need 25 hours in a day and 8 days in a week, but, crucuially I feel that we have players now who won't crumble under the avalanche of fixtures. When games are this frequent a lot of putting in good performances is character. Players coming in for injured team mates, Subs coming off the bench, squad members digging deep.
This is the first time for a number of years that I see some heart out there on the pitch. Our usual November is a bad time and has become something of an Albatross but some players rise to these things, and those that don't have been jettisoned.
I see in players like Rosicky (who admittedly I wrote off)Arteta, Benayoun, Santos and Mertersacker, guys that will be called upon and not shirk.
Getting through this next 41 days also gives the squad a boost going into the new year with the return of Wilshere and Sagna and any squad members (if any)bought in during the window.
But we should not look forward with trepidation but with optomism and excitement. There's something about going to watch The Arsenal at this time of year; Boxing day games,a nip in the air, warm pubs and good company, and to be in the thick of things is a great feeling. On paper we have some winnable fixtures ahead and league wise just one tricky match with Citeh, but i'm looking forward to each game as I think we are still a work in progress therefore each game should be competitive.
Hopefully good times to be an Arsenal fan await.

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