In football, defining moments are the difference between success and failure. Destiny can be traced back to the predominant moments that shaped it, and in these moments a season's story can be told.
As last season drew to a close, Premier League fans experienced the most closely-fought title showdown in many years. Heading into May three teams, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, still had the opportunity to capture that most coveted of league trophies and embrace the glory synonymous with it.
Of course, we all know how it ended. Arsenal fell away as the finish line approached, and Manchester United pipped Chelsea to their 10th crowning glory and the Champions League trophy.
But only four points separated these top three teams in the Premier League.
Three teams who had taken points off of each other all season long. Three teams who had produced top-class performances in ways only they know how. Three teams who, again, showcased the very best that the Premier League has to offer.
As the inquests started in newsrooms, television studios, and at radio stations all around the world as to where Chelsea and Arsenal went wrong, and how Manchester United got it right, one defining moment for each sticks out from the rest.
Arsenal's title challenge sel####estructed at a windswept St. Andrews in late February. The sensational form they had displayed before Christmas had disappeared somewhat in the early weeks of 2008; clinical finishing was once again starting to evade them.
Arsenal fans were getting that all too familiar feeling of all style and no substance, yet the club was trundling forward, earning points from games in which they played below par.
Maybe Arsenal were learning how to play 'ugly.' Maybe this feeling of all style and no substance was actually no style and all substance.
Fans started to believe.
But in reality, even the most ardent Arsenal fan will admit that a twist was always expected. And the footballing gods duly obliged.
The unfortunate injury to Eduardo overshadowed the events of the match, but in hindsight, that match was probably Arsenal's most significant of the season.
Champions are made of stern stuff. What was required that day after the events in the opening minutes was for players to stand up and be counted on what was always going to be a tough early afternoon.
But in the first half they didn't; they shrunk. The first half was awful. Arsenal were shocked and Birmingham seized the opportunity.
McFadden struck a brilliant free kick mid-way through the first half, which left Almunia with no chance. As the halftime whistle blew, Arsenal were lucky to be going into the dressing room only one goal down.
After the interval, a different Arsenal emerged, an Arsenal that could have been champions. They seemed to put Eduardo's injury to the back of their minds, and they took the game to Birmingham. Their play was reminiscent of their early season master classes.
Shots rained in on Maik Taylor from all angles, and then Theo Walcott bounded to the fore with two quick-fire goals. One an instinctive flick, the other a superb low shot after a confident, purposeful run. Arsenal had turned the game on its head.
As the game edged to a finish Arsenal attacked frequently on the break. As the clock ticked towards full time, both Adebayor and Bendtner beat a lacklustre Birmingham offside trap. Both clean through, all Adebayor had to do was square the ball for Bendtner to tap it in, 3-1. Job done.
But he never even looked at Bendtner. He just saw the goal. On for a record breaking ninth successive Premier League goal, Adebayor's eyes lit up. He was only ever going to shoot.
He did, and Taylor saved. With that, the chance of escaping from St. Andrew’s with all three points disappeared.
Birmingham gained confidence from the thunderous noise emanating from their fans. There is nothing fans of relegation-threatened teams like more than a scrap against the big boys. They pushed for the equaliser but never really created any significant chances. Arsenal's task was to just play out the three minutes of added-on time.
They failed. It was Arsenal's season-defining moment. A moment of sheer bizarreness from Clichy let in Parnaby and Clichy's seemingly innocuous challenge was deemed a foul by referee Mike Dean. Penalty.
It was the 91st minute and James McFadden had a chance to #### a point that Birmingham, taking into account their first half display, probably deserved, but should never have had the opportunity to gain. He smashed it home. 30,000 bluenoses were delirious. Gallas fumed.
Arsenal never recovered. Several draws followed and Arsenal's inexperience had ultimately cost them dearly. Arsenal were helpless as both Manchester United and Chelsea clawed back the points deficit before overtaking them. The inevitability of it all was what hurt the most.
The defining moment of Chelsea's season could so easily have been Michael Ballack smashing in a winner from the penalty spot in the showdown of the top two at Stamford Bridge in late April. But it wasn't. That defeat didn't quite affect Manchester United in the way Chelsea had hoped.
Instead, the defining moment of Chelsea's season occurred in Moscow a few weeks later.
In the torrential rain at the Luzhniki Stadium, John Terry impatiently strode forward from the centre circle. All that separated him from his dream of putting his hands on the Champion's league trophy was one successful penalty; his successful penalty.
With a deep breath, he took four steps back, and then another for good measure. Hands on hips, he heard the whistle and approached the ball, but as he kicked, he slipped. The ball hit the post and veered wide. John Terry's dream disappeared into a nightmare reality.
Chelsea fans tried to comprehend the incomprehensible—the captain, the heart and soul of Chelsea Football Club, had missed. Nobody expected that.
The chance for ultimate club glory, that elusive Champions League trophy, was about to elude them once again. That single kick summed up Chelsea's season; so close, yet so far. Runners up in three competitions. Nobody remembers the losers.
Chelsea will intend to bounce back stronger than ever. Wounded animals are always the most dangerous, and the backlash could be frightening.
Where did Manchester United get it right? At the Riverside Stadium, in the midst of one of those now-regular March blizzards. If the 'changeable' weather (and I use that term in the extreme here) was to be expected that day, Manchester United's dire display wasn't.
In the weeks prior, United had been steamrolling their way through league games and parading, almost nonchalantly, towards the top of the league.
They almost came unstuck, though, against perennial upset kings, Middlesbrough.
Despite taking an early lead, United found themselves 2-1 down, and it could, and should, have been more.
However, they battled back. They altered the flow o####ame which had, for a long period, been completely against them, and Rooney smashed in an equaliser.
They showed they had the desire, the hunger, and the determination to earn at least a point from a game in which they played poorly and should have lost. It was "the stuff of Champions," as Andy Gray would say.
And it was.
Manchester United didn't look back. A defeat here would have given Chelsea the advantage, but United kept their nerve and from then on never once let the destiny of where the title would end up be shaped by anyone but themselves.
In response to the open-mic, this is my 'all-time' greatest line-up for the team I support, Arsenal.
The reason 'all-time' is in quotation marks is that I have only included players who I have seen play for Arsenal. As a result I have overlooked greats such as Brady, George, Nicholas, Bastin, Rocastle, Wilson, Jennings, McLintock, Graham, O'Leary, etc...
I think that despite their stature within Arsenal folklore, it would be a bit fickle of me to put them in my team without ever seeing them play.
The formation I have selected is a traditional 4-4-2.
Manager: Naturally, my choice is Arsene Wenger. Despite being a supporter throughout George Graham's successful reign, Wenger has taken Arsenal to a higher level. His spell in charge has been Arsenal's most successful ever.
He has not only revolutionised the club, but he has played a part in revolutionising the English professional game. His management methods have become almost gospel-like throughout the Premier League and his trophy haul is second only to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Goalkeeper: David Seaman. In my opinion, the greatest goalkeeper ever. He might have made a few high profile mistakes during his career, but these were only high profile because they were his only mistakes.
He was a calming influence, in which his defence always had full confidence. His shot-stopping ability was second to none and his ability to hold onto the ball was second to none. He also pulled off the greatest save ever against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final during his final season at the club.
Left Back: At times, Arsenal have had an embarrassment of riches at left back. All have been able to not only defend exceptionally, but also attack with style and panache. Nigel Winterburn is my choice.
He provided the original mould for what Wenger wanted his left backs to play like. He was defensively, the strongest Arsenal have had during my time as a supporter, and he developed his attacking game under Wenger's stewardship. He was part of the famous 'Arsenal back four.'
Centre Back: In my opinion, the club's greatest ever player, Tony Adams. He was Mr. Arsenal and he put his heart and soul into every match. He is one of England's greatest ever defenders.
Under Wenger he improved from not only possessing top-class defensive ability, but matured into a composed centre back who could begin attacks from the back. His goal against Everton to seal the clubs first ever Premier League trophy, was an iconic moment, and one which aptly befitted Adams.
Centre Back: Not many players ever dare to cross the North London divide between Tottenham and Arsenal, only few have done so throughout the years, but arguably, none have done it as successfully as Sol Campbell. His presence in the Arsenal defense was an extremely important asset throughout their title triumphs of 2002 and 2004.
He was a born leader, and formed a key component of the spine of Arsenal's 'Invinicibles.' He provided a massive goal scoring threat from set-pieces, and like Adams, possessed natural top-class defensive ability, which was also groomed into Campbell becoming a more cultured centre back.
Right Back: Also part of the famous 'Arsenal Back Four,' Lee Dixon was an outstanding right back who played a major role during his several successful seasons at the club. His defensive ability was superb, but he was also a threat going forward, often seen making lung-bursting overlapping runs down the right flank. His ability to deliver the ball and shoot meant he accumulated his fair share of goals and assists whilst at the club.
Left Midfield: The left midfield position has been home to great players since Wenger took over. Robert Pires just—and I mean just—edges it from Marc Overmars. Pires' contribution to the title winning season of 2002 was epitomised by his teammates bowing down to him when he collected his medal and lifted up the trophy. His contribution that season cannot be underestimated.
He continued this contribution throughout the next few seasons. He scored more than his fair share of goals from left midfield and amassed many, many assists. He possessed deceptive pace and plenty of skill.
Centre Midfield: Born in Romford, Ray Parlour, was a local lad who never really established himself properly as a first team player until Wenger arrived. Under Wenger he flourished, first into one of the best right midfielders in the country, and then into a mature central midfielder, capable of strong leadership. He contributed largely to many successes throughout his time at the club, especially under Wenger.
Wengers faith in Parlour was emphasised when Parlour took over the captain's armband in Vieira's absence and led Arsenal to that resounding victory over Inter Milan in the San Siro.
Whilst perhaps not the most naturally gifted player, his endeavour and work rate has earnt him a place in this side. His ability was underestimated though, he could hold his own against other great players throughout Wenger's reign.
Centre Midfield: As a midfielder, Patrick Vieira had it all. Fantastic ball winning ability, a sublime touch, plenty of creativity, and strong finishing ability. He rightly took over the captaincy from Tony Adams, and led by example from the middle of the park. There has never been a midfielder in Arsenal's history who has had a more imposing presence.
Right Midfield: Arsenal have been blessed with plenty of good right midfielders throughout the last twenty years, but none as charismatic as Paul Merson. According to many, Merson's natural ability was on a par with Paul Gascoigne. Couple that with a desire and hunger to play for Arsenal, and Merson ended up being one of Arsenal's greatest.
He was a goalscoring midfielder, at times scoring the spectaculars, at other times arriving late to finish of a flowing move. Through George Graham's reign, Merson provided the 'spark' in the Arsenal team. His off-field problems were endearing rather than off-putting, and so, Merson remains a proper fan favourite.
Striker: Signed by Bruce Rioch in 1995, Dennis Bergkamp came to Arsenal with a proven pedigree. After a slow beginning to his Arsenal career, Bergkamp burst into life and thrived under the guidance of Wenger.
He was Arsenal's most cultured and classy player ever, with a majestic touch and an exquisite ability to play pin-point through-balls. He shared in every trophy success the club has achieved so far under Wenger.
Personal highlights include memorable goals against Newcastle and Sunderland, and an outstanding hat-trick away at Leicester. Bergkamp retired at the end of the 2005/2006 season.
Striker: Thierry Henry. Rated by many as the club's best ever player. Henry was pure class. The perfect striker. Wenger developed him from a hit and miss left winger into the world's best striker. He is the club's record goal-scorer, and was the star player at the club for many seasons.
His final season, 2006-07, saw him take the captaincy, a much deserved accolade given everything he has done for the club. Not only was he great goalscorer, he also provided just as many assists for his teammates.
Substitutes: Jens Lehmann (part of the 'invincibles,' not as good as Seaman though), Ashley Cole (would have made the team if he wasn't so greedy), Martin Keown (tough tackling, no nonsense centre back), Marc Overmars (pushed Pires close and was arguably as influential as the Frenchman during his time at the club, but Pires won more trophies), Freddie Ljungberg (a proper goal-scoring midfielder who scored plenty of crucial goals), Ian Wright (third in my all-time greatest players list, only on the bench because Bergkamp and Henry were so good), Nwankwo Kanu (a bit of a cult-hero, his unpredictability was at times frustrating but more often amazing, his ability to overcome heart problems is inspirational).
Future Possible Inductees: Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna.
I left writing my season preview for Arsenal until as late in the day as possible. The season kicks off on Saturday with a home tie against West Brom, and the trepidation I felt mid-July still hasn't disappeared.
Wednesday night's result in Holland in the Champions League third qualifying round was a good early test for the Gunners, which they passed, although hardly emphatically. The 2-0 scoreline was somewhat undeserved as FC Twente had plenty of opportunities to score and should be going into the second leg at least level. There is no doubting that Arsenal will need to improve significantly upon this performance when the real stuff starts this weekend, and they will. I am perhaps reading a little too much into a match in which numerous key first team players were missing, and plenty of young inexperienced players were blooded. It was an acceptable performance overall.
However, Arsenal's squad depth was an issue last season, and will be there undoing again this season. I am not questioning the quality of Arsenal players, every player is the squad is more than capable of playing fluid, easy-on-the-eye football that we Arsenal fans have come to take for granted over recent years. Arsenal brand of football seems to improve its level of technique season-on-season, but in recent seasons it has lacked the end product that bestowed it in the title winning seasons. Maybe Arsenal have to become a little more direct, a little more 'ugly'. There were signs early last season that Arsenal had adapted their game to become more efficient in front of goal, they were beginning to shoot more and from distance, and weren't scared of the long ball, but as wins became harder to come by, and confidence ebbed, Arsenal retreated into their comfort zone somewhat by rekindling their passing across the 18-yard line game that has been a large factor in the club's failure to win any trophies during the last three seasons.
I don't see Arsenal's trophy cabinet having to make room for another addition this season either, unless the Carling Cup team can win the competition as their performances in recent seasons has deserved.
Before last season supporters were justifiably worried about how the sale of Henry would affect the team, initially it galvanised the squad and Arsenal played as well, if not better than 'The Invincibles' of 2003/04. The pre-season expectations were justified though and Arsenal's inexperience told as the finish line appeared upon the horizon. Whilst expected, it was a little undeserved. This inexperience can't resurface this season if Arsenal want to win the league.
Finishing four points behind the eventual Champions was a fantastic effort and much more than I had imagined had the start of the season, but if I'm honest, Arsenal football club and its fans should never be settling for anything less than winning every competition we enter. Their have been too many 'transition' seasons of late.
This pre-season has, yet again, been a typical Arsenal summer, top players leaving for 'Bigger' teams, and other star performers flirting with potential suitors every time Wenger's back was turned. Its a perennial problem for Arsenal, but one the fans have grown to accept. If players don't want to play for us then they can leave. The club's stubbornness to its wage structure, whilst frustrating and also being a contributing factor to our lack of success in recent years and inability to create sustained success over consecutive seasons, is perfectly reasonable and should be highly commended. The long-term future needs to be stable, but we now have to start coupling it again with short-term success.
My worries about Arsenal's title, no Champions League qualification credentials, are greater this season than last. The impact of losing Hleb and Flamini will have a major effect on Arsenal's chances of success this season, even more so than the predicted decline following Henry's move to Catalonia. Hleb and Flamini formed half of Arsenal's formidable, dynamic midfield last season, and for Arsenal to build upon the foundations laid last season they need to be replaced by players as good, if not better, immediately.
Ramsey and Nasri look like they have tremendous potential but I don't think they are ready to plug the gaps departed players have created in the midfield.
Nasri should provide more goals than Hleb, but Hleb was perhaps Arsenal's second best player last season and so his boots are going to be extremely difficult for Nasri to fill. The return of Rosicky, and the transformation of Walcott into a player who performs the high levels he is well capable of, but on a consistent basis, is required.
Filling the gap left by Flamini's lucrative move to the San Siro could be even more crucial. Last season, if rather unexpectedly, he visibly grew in confidence, and into the role of the midfield's engine, providing an excellent foil for Fabregas, allowing the young Spaniard to weave his magic so devastatingly. He was by no means perfect though, there are plenty of players out there who would perhaps be better suited to the role but Arsene has only seventeen days to find him. The type of player Arsenal's failings necessitate in order to improve upon last season, is a powerful box to box midfielder, of a similar ilk to Vieira, someone to take the hits, so to speak, for Cesc.
It looks like yet another season of 'transition' for Arsenal. The level of inexperience has increased. Too much is going to be required of players like Fabregas, Adebayor, Van Persie and the younger prospects. Arsenal need to learn from last season's errors, the experienced players need to come to the fore (especially Gallas) and guide the young players, and every player needs to improve that extra notch, for Arsenal to go the distance this time around.
Realistically, this is too much to ask for this season. The hits the squad has taken over the summer are going to be felt deeply, and we Arsenal fans will have to settle for third or fourth place again, and memorable, yet ultimately unsuccessful, FA Cup and Champions League campaigns this season.
Arsene Wenger has a keen eye for top, young talent. One player who could emerge this season and go on to make an impact as great as Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy in the coming seasons, is a Mexican by the name of Carlos Vela.
Arsenal's fans know little about the player dubbed the new "Hugo Sanchez," even though he was signed back in November of 2005 from Mexican outfit Guadalajara. His progress has had to be monitored from afar as he was immediately loaned out to the Spanish side Celta Vigo due to work permit complications.
Vela has stayed in Spain ever since being signed by Arsenal. After his spell with Celta Vigo he was then loaned out to Salamanca, a Spanish second division club, where he scored eight goals in 31 appearances during the 2006/07 season.
His performances in the Spain's second tier earned many plaudits and several La Liga teams became interested in loaning Vela for the 2007/08 season. Vela opted to join Osasuna where he appeared 33 times, notching a further three goals, including a stunning strike against Real Betis.
Wenger explained that loaning Vela to Spain was designed to make it "easier for him to adapt to Europe as there are several similarities between the Spanish and Mexican cultures."
It appears as though every effort is being made by Arsenal to ensure that Vela develops to his full potential. Potential that was first noticed back in 2005 when he finished as top scorer at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships, scoring five goals and helping Mexico win the competition.
His performances in the tournament had Europe's most prestigious clubs sniffing around. Arsenal won the race to sign the highly rated youngster, and along with Geovanni dos Santos who moved to Barcelona, the two most instrumental players of the Mexican teams success had earned their big moves to Europe.
My knowledge of Vela's performances extends little beyond the odd piece of outrageous skill shown on "Soccer AM's" showboat segment, and on Football Manager, where Vela often develops into a "world-class" player.
From my experience, top players in the football manager game series tend to be at least hal####ecent in real life. It appears Vela is going to be a lot more than half decent though.
Wenger has stated that he expects Vela to be challenging for a first team place this coming season, after he managed to obtain a work permit which now allows him to play in England.
Wenger also went on to describe Vela as "a good passer of the ball and an excellent finisher," and has also commented that "he has intelligent movement with very good technique and great pace," suggesting he is a player of similar ilk to Eduardo.
Vela has since gone on to make his debut for Mexico's senior side, scoring four goals in seven appearances.
It sounds to me as though Wenger may have just unearthed another gem of a player, and I, for one, look forward seeing his talent displayed in the red and white of Arsenal this season.
The Emmanuel Adebayor transfer saga has taken yet another twist with Milan vice-president telling Italian TV station, Antenna 3, "I have a letter from Arsenal that says 'we will consider a deal if it interests you'".Galliani's comments have been made just a month after he told the press that Arsenal had insisted Adebayor was not for sale. If his comments are not a desperate ploy to unsettle the Togolese forward, it appears as though Arsene Wenger has decided to cash in on a player who is clearly unsure as to where he would like his future to lie.
A stumbling block in any deal negotiations could be Arsenal's asking price of £30 million. It is thought Milan is prepared to offer a figure closer to the £20 million mark. Ronaldo's long-term injury lay-off coupled with the sale of Gilardino, to Serie A rivals Fiorentina, has left the 'Rossoneri's' front-line looking a little lightweight as the new season looms.
For a club seeking to make up for its poor season last term it is not the ideal situation. This could lead to Milan raising their offer in desperation. Milan has already stated that acquiring top-class striker is their priority in the transfer market this summer.
They had previously stated that Adebayor was their "sole interest,” but reports suggest they are also interested in signing either of Chelsea's Didier Drogba or Andrei Shevchenko.
However, Luis Felipe Scolari stated that Drogba was "200% a part of his plans" at his media unveiling yesterday, so any deal to bring Drogba to the club looks unlikely. In addition, manager Carlo Ancelotti, considering that the Ukrainian appears to be past his best, may regard the possible resigning of Shevchenko as too much of a risk.
Wenger's transfer policy has always been to cash in on those players that are not completely committed to the cause, and Adebayor's actions over the last few weeks suggest the player wouldn't put up too much of a fight if he was to be sold to Milan.
