Rant #1: Arsenal FC are all bark, no bite...

You and I hear it season-in, season-out, Arsenal FC promise everything, deliver nothing. After a horrendous 3-0 loss to Everton last Sunday, well, I among many football fans really wonder if they will mask a "hero to zero" league season with a win against Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend at Wembley.

On deadline day last summer, Arsene Wenger highlighted his intent to compete at the very top by pulling off a £42 million deal for German playmaker Mesut Ozil. I guess it's fair to say that Ozil has had an on-off season in 2013/14, but has nonetheless been an influential figure for Monsieur Wenger's team. Then again, just because you make one marquee signing, that does not guarantee that you will win your first Barclays Premier League title in a decade. Wenger's defenders have been hugely awful countless times this season, particularly against Manchester City and Chelsea where they conceded 6 opposition goals on both occasions. Not what you'd expect from a team who were "title contenders" earlier on this season.

The Gunners have developed a notoriety of being a "one-man team" in recent years and have somewhat still managed to end up in the top four. But on the flipside, has that brought any silverware back to Ashburton Grove? The answer is the opposite of what the average Gunner would like to think. It's true - Wenger made an absurd, pathetic decision to not sign a striker in January. Even ex-Lilywhite Dimitar Berbatov would have been a great signing. Wasted opportunity... 

It's all in your hands, Monsieur Wenger

One famous Hollywood scene which always stimulates me is Al Pacino's speech in "Any Given Sunday" - "We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time". Yes, that film is about American Football, but that little piece of motivation is destined to work anywhere, and I mean anywhere. Now, picture this: Wenger in full cry before the game, shouting and screaming into the ear of each one of his players the importance of togetherness, team-spirit and giving 100%. This is The Gunners' final chance to make a name for themselves this season. Can they do it? Personally, I think they can, but only if they can  make it over that hurdle. And can they make it over that hurdle? Well... 

...we'll see on Saturday.