The Arsenal travel to Tottenham then Chelsea in a bid to recover valuable points from their London rivals en route to reclaiming a competitive edge in the Premiership race and recover pride of place as a contender.
For nearing a decade the pride of London have surrendered kingship for a castle while the natives ponder who raided our ark. Our ark once laden with shields, cups and trophies in the first era of 500 games was left barren in the second; the majestic oak of our cabinet reduced to no more than fire wood. Dead wood.
Times could be about to change.
In 2005, Arsenal visited Mourinho's Chelsea in Wenger's 500th game signalling a turning point in Arsenal's fortunes. Gone was our fiery and fearless leader cowering to the bully of the north and the mouth of the south. It is telling, Arsene's first 500 games yielded unbridled success culminating in "immortal invincible gunners joy and pride" within 7 years yet the second 500 took almost 10 years despite more competitions. Once the toast of many and the envy of most, Wenger quickly exchanged a stylish championship winning team for success with frugal youth and fear. The "first 500-the era of success" was surrendered to the monied Chelski and the "second era-one of failure and frustration" began.
Today, the must come of age.
As if ordained or by fate, Arsenal in the search for success will start a new era, "the third 500 - rise of the ridiculed, our renaissance". Today, nearly 10 years later, the reincarnate seeks firstly to pluck the feathered Spurs then change the course of fortune by dismantling the Bridge.
Six points this week not only revives the title hopes but infuse conviction in a team impaired by injuries. Arsenal have never lacked quality, even during the barren years. Seven major finals lost tells its own story, but today; should the ghosts of our cowardice raise from its feathered bed, old servants and new shall pace the seven sisters, wide-eyed holding our heads.
Many belittle our chances, pundits, allies and foes but a win today and a win tomorrow our box of cues. Here starts 500, where heroes stand or flee, Giraud, BFG, Szczesny, Koscielny, must bear their brawn to be; men of this great club, heroes to the bank, North or South, this is it, Victoria Concordia Crescit.
Come on Gunners, let's do it.
Latest:
