Don't let the title deceive you. Talking about 2012 being such a negative fashion can only mean I'm talking about Arsenal. In pretty much every sport bar football, we have had loads of success to marvel at and it has been arguably our greatest sporting year of all time. For Gooners, though, I get the feeling this is not the case.
Football had its moments in 2012, with Chelsea's heroic triumph against Munich in Munich being the highlight for most English fans except Spurs'. There was also the uber-dramatic climax to the 11/12 Premier League as Sergio Aguero sent all commentators simultaneously potty with his last-gasp winner. And as far as personal accolades go, Leo Messi's annoyingly uncanny ability to score week-in-week-out earned him a new record and even more admirers. Even as an anti-Messi fan, I think he might just deserve to pip Cristiano for yet another year.
It can sometimes be difficult to criticise Arsenal on what has been such an underachieving year once again straight after an epic 10-goal bonanza, although this year never saw us looking like winning anything as opposed to previous failed attempts at glory. It was more expected, but just as painful.
In my eyes, it was Thierry Henry that was key to our league success. He brought an air of positivity around the fans, and the players, for sure. So much knowledge, experience and skill. His goal against Leeds when the year was still very young may be my favourite moment. But it was his goal against Sunderland that set the ball rolling as we battled our way past Spurs and into the Champions League.
Once Thierry had left us, we unstoppable in the league. Beating Spurs, Liverpool, Milan, Newcastle and Everton before being stopped by lowly QPR, but by then, we had claimed that 3rd spot we had been chasing for months. Actually achieving 3rd, thanks partly to Koscielny's flick but mainly some god-awful goalkeeping, was a relief in the highest regard.
However, building on 11/12's 'success' was always an uphill struggle despite after sealing transfers of two top-drawer strikers in Podolski and Giroud, Van Persie departed us after eight years after spending what seemed like more time on the sidelines than the pitch, though to be fair, he did chip in with a few goals (still not forgiven).
In the summer, the positivity grew once again after seeing some of our summer signings impress at the Euros, namely Podolski, and from what we saw on the first day from Cazorla, we actually had a special team.
But as with many, if not all Arsenal teams, stupid, silly results still occur. Losing to Norwich and Schalke in the space of 4 days was horrible to endure. Drawing to Fulham when 2 up at home - not good enough. Losing at home to Swansea - just unacceptable. Drawing to Bradford and losing on penalties - don't even ask.
Thankfully, Champions League football for next season still looks a distinct possibility. Players like Giroud and Oxlade-Chamberlain are hitting top form - when played - and Walcott has breathed new life into Arsenal's attacking drive. But as his new contract hangs in the balance, we are set for a tense start to 2013 with the transfer window looming. And after that magical performance against Newcastle at the weekend, we'd be foolish to let him go.
So, Arsenal are looking like they are starting to make things happen, though their mid-season failures mean they already have a testing year ahead with Bayern up in February. Looking back on the last 12 months has drawn another noticeable blank from the trophy department. Frankly, Arsenal's drought has gone on for so long, that even a season with trophies may not be rendered a success. It's going to take something special, but let's hope Arsenal can make 2013 a year to remember.
Come On You Reds!
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