It's been a while since I posted on here, and a lot has happened since. I'll do my best to sum the last month up as concisely and entertainingly as possible, but I here's your warning - I may go on a bit - mainly as Arsenal emerged from the final weeks victorious at the expense of the Enemy - but Arsenal are not the only team feeling increasingly excited about next season's prospects and beyond, as the new Premier League season starts to gather pace before it has even begun.
I suppose the best place to start would be the final day. There was many a magic moment, although you could count each of those for every sweaty one. From Newcastle piling on the pressure to Walcott's botched finish at the death; from Spurs' merciless siege on the Sunderland goal to the Black Cats literally having lady luck on their side until the final seconds - the only really meaningful games of the season finale had a bit of everything.
Nothing, however, nothing, could top the moment Spurs fans thought that Champions League nights were coming their way once again (no thanks to their ol' buddy, Lord Sugar) with a ghost goal fooling all at White Hart Lane and making them look unbelievably, humiliatingly stupid more stupid. Comedy gold. Poor Michael Dawson thought they'd made it! Bless.
Howard Webb's final whistle sparked celebrations amongst the Red half of North London, though I do not think for one second they were a little OTT, although I'm certain Piers Morgan would beg to differ. Losing 2-0 at home to Swansea in December was a travesty. 10th place in mid-season. 10th. Arsenal Football Club, in 10th. It's unheard of. It's ludicrous, a shambles, a disgrace. Yet we have the best second half of the season bar none by working our socks off for once and those celebrations are wholly acceptable. Not forgetting it is Spurs we are defeating on the final day for the third time in recent years. It was more relief than joy, but who cares? We didn't have a hope in hell back in March.
Since the 2012/13 season drew to a close, the Premier League has been ringing the changes. Managers coming and going, left, right and centre. Out one door, in another. Utter madness. And then, out of the blue, the return of The Special One is set to light up our screens and our league once again. If there's one thing I'm excited about aside from Arsenal's title aspirations (too premature?), it's got to be Jose. You can't hate him. The man's a genius. I'd probably stick my neck out and say he'll become more successful than Wenger one day. What? He is already? Damn.
Jose brings a new dimension into the PL next season. His mere presence makes Chelsea genuine title contenders next season. For some reason, I can't seem to picture David Moyes winning a trophy, and to think someone who's been there and done it in record-breaking style has a head start on the Manchester clubs, at least - and let's not forget there's money to spend. Not sure the best part of 60 million euros is going to be value for money for Edinson Cavani, but he will beef up this Chelsea team, no end. Selling Mata, though, would be a monumental error - their best player last season, consistency wise. I'd have him at Arsenal in a heartbeat.
The excitement doesn't stop there though, as I truly believe that Arsenal may now be ready to enter the frame. I can't say I think we'll win it (or anything) next year, but we may yet acquire a squad capable of winning a title for years to come. I haven't had a confidence like this since 10/11, when we did have a title bid of sorts, but somehow finished 4th when it seemed 2nd was in the bag at least. But with a new transfer window attitude, Wenger, Gazidis and co. look like they might just buy some world-beaters this summer. Marouane Fellaini is probably the least-Arsenal like player in the Premier League (aside from the entire Stoke squad), but he is just what we need. A bit of midfield muscle will do us the world of good. Watch this space. We can't possibly be fighting for 4th again.
*By the way, Wayne Rooney can do one.
To put it one way, the unpredictability of this league, arguably the most unpredictable in the world, is reaching new heights next season before a ball is kicked. The godfather of the Premier League may be gone, but the post-Sir Alex era is looking tastier by the second. We won't forget him, but I don't think we'll miss him. There are many exciting times ahead.
Come On You Reds!
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