Goonerholic's Theory Of Evolution

I’m celebrating today, not just because I’ve racked up another year on this mortal coil, but I’m still drunk on the double cup triumphs at Anfield (and a liberal intake of IPA!).

It has got me thinking about the moans and groans when we come unstuck in those games we expect to win comfortably. More particularly the oft heard comparisons with Wenger teams mark one and two.

To relate the performances of the current squad, in its various forms, is I think extremely unfair. In 1998 Wenger inherited a defence from heaven, Parlour, Bergkamp, and Wright, and bolted onto it a powerful midfield pairing of Vieira and Petit and the pace and trickery of Overmars. An experienced and exciting side was enhanced.

By the early part of this century mark two was built around astute signings such as Campbell, Henry, and Pires. Yes, of course there was more to it than that, but essentially he was once again improving a strong side.

Wengerball mark three is being built from the roots up. The loss of Campbell, Cole, Pires, Vieira, and Bergkamp happened quickly, and the replacements were to be produced from the Arsenal academy with the exception of a couple of astute signings from the ‘bargain basement’.

The youthfulness of the current crop of Gunners should be more aptly compared perhaps to George Graham’s fledglings of the late eighties. Graham too found young players from the youth set-up, and clubs he had faced before in the lower divisions. He added the experience of Richardson, Marwood and Smith to create a superb blend.

It didn’t happen overnight, but Graham’s Arsenal developed into a real power for a while. The third Wenger incarnation has a similar blend of age and experience and looks capable of exceeding what Graham’s side achieved. It will require perhaps a little more patience, but I’m certain the future is red, Arsenal red that is!