Delight in Despair

By Joe Milford

The time is now for Arsenal’s supporting cast to stand up and be counted

There’s never an easy was to say goodbye is there? Be it with friends, classmates, and yes, even our favorite players, letting go is something that’s hard to do, particularly when what you are letting go of is something special. Such is the case with one Francesc Fabregas. Having seen the player grow up before their eyes, there will indeed be many heartwarming memories that Arsenal fans can conjure up on this, the first day of Cesc being a former Gunner. From the 18-year old boy starting the 2005 FA Cup Final alongside Robert Pires and Patrick Veira, to the 23-year old man smashing home a penalty to complete an epic comeback against the team he would eventually join, the nostalgia may prove to be inescapable. But while such ordeals may prove difficult for teams and fans to deal with, there’s always one thing to keep in mind. Losing your best player can be the beginning of a new and much brighter era.

What people must first realize however, is the obvious, and that is that the Spaniard had to be sold. To say that Cesc Fabregas was a distraction to Arsenal this summer is a huge understatement, there will be few that will doubt that, but the prospect of Cesc staying, as captain, for another year at what now has to be the most scrutinized club in the Premier League would have been a disaster. The last thing that Arsenal needed entering their sixth season since winning their last trophy is a “leader” who’s heart rested hundreds of miles away in the Camp Nou.

Cesc Fabregas was always destined to return to Barcelona

Now it may sound cliche, but the mark of a true “big club” really is how well they carry on after losing their best players, and with Nasri expected to follow Fabregas out of London, Arsenal will have to show that they can live up to that statement. The truth of the matter is, Arsene Wenger is in a tough position. His team finished 4th last year, and the clubs around him are strengthening, and doing it quickly. But if there’s ever been a manager capable of coming through a situation like this, you’d be hard pressed to find one better than Wenger. Ironically, the thing that he is criticized most for will prove more useful than ever in the coming season. The man is notorious for doing exactly what a club, that doesn’t spend much like Arsenal, need to bounce back from their current situation, and that is breeding and coaching young, talented players. Yes today a brilliant player leaves, and tomorrow another may follow, but there are those in their place, ready to step into their roles and move the club forward.

Arsenal fans should know that Aaron Ramsey is not just hype, the kid is good, and his performance against Manchester United late last season shows that he can be a match winner. Jack Wilshere is already an established international at the age of 19, and the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott, and Emmanuel Frimpong will now have to come of age for the club, under a captain in Robin Van Persie who is totally committed to the cause.

Gooners may be forgiven for growing tired of the whole “nurturing youth” policy that their club has now become known for, but the fact of the matter is, Arsenal have invested around £400 million into building Emirates Stadium, and no matter how you dissect that, such an investment is going to take its toll on the long term spending of the club. The important thing is that Arsene Wenger has been able to build a competitive squad capable of beating any team on its day, and all without ever spending over £15 million for a player. With Cesc gone, there will be opportunities for other players to step out of his shadow and deliver for the club. And if I were a betting man, I’d put my money on Arsene Wenger leading the players to do just that. Players come and go, but big clubs never die.

What do you think about Arsenal’s prospects?