Where is Arsenal’s Consistency?

1. Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, esp. because of inability to change or achieve something

If you ask an Arsenal fan how he or she is feeling at the moment, he or she will most likely tell you that a good majority of the emotions they are experiencing â€" and have been experiencing â€" can be summed up by the adjective and definition above. While opposing fans cheer “Boring, boring Arsenal”, Arsenal fans must certainly beg to differ. The current team is far from boring and is actually composed of a number of bright sparks that, when put together effectively, can lead to an incredible surge of exciting football that is easy on the eye.
Many will say that is how the club has been for several years now. Incredible talent brought together by the genius that is Arsene Wenger and organized into a team that is capable of anything. No seriously â€" capable of anything. This year has been slightly different, however, with the addition of several new signings as well as the coming of age of several players already on the books. Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski have proven early on that they can both make a huge impact in this year’s domestic and continental campaigns. They’ve both shown they are more than capable of handling the Premier League’s physical standard and have done so in a matter that brings both “ooh’s” and “ahhhs” from fans all over the world.

Frustration comes from the lack of consistency. Getty Images.

Sure Cesc Fabregas is gone. We understand that Robin van Persie is no longer part of the squad, either, but the replacements that have been brought in have done a good job to make fans do their best to forget about the players that once were. I understand some people will say van Persie hasn’t been replaced just yet â€" and whether or not he is in the near future is yet to be determined â€" but those same people must understand it took the Dutchman eight years to produce what he ended up producing last year. You want to talk frustrating? Seven years of injury capped with one great season. That is frustrating. Anyway, moving on. On top of guys like Cazorla and Podolski, this season has shed a new light on three players in particular: Gervinho, Mertesacker, and Jenkinson. The former, though at times wild in his approach and seemingly out of control, has shown just how useful he can be at the top level in England. His mazy runs and constant energy are always a threat, and his eye for goal has improved drastically. His consistency does need improvement but his effectiveness in the final third has grown exponentially and Arsenal fans will be delighted with what he has contributed thus far this season.
The defensive ability of both Jenkinson and Mertesacker magically appeared to improve over the off-season, and both have been bright spots in a defense that was in great need of bright spots. Once again, the former has shown a new side to his game, attacking with confidence and defending when necessary, while the latter has shown his excellent ability to read the game. The German’s presence on set pieces and on the pitch in general have been of great use to the north London side this year.
So why are the Arsenal so frustrating to watch right now? Is it because of the recent results? Is it because of the club’s activity in the transfer window? Perhaps it’s because the team actually are playing good football at the moment, and the fans are optimistic about where the club is headed. A ‘good’ feeling is seemingly resonating around Arsenal fans despite the club’s position in the league. The frustration stems from going to Manchester City, dominating possession, leaving with a point then going to Norwich City, doing the same thing, and leaving without a point. How can the same team so brilliantly go to the home of the champions and play so well, only to concede against a team sat (un)comfortably at the bottom of the table and not find a way back into the game?
A bit of consistency can go a long way in the Premier League. Though Arsenal are yet to find that bit of consistency just yet in the league this season, they have shown just how good they can be on their day. Levels of frustration are undoubtedly high at the moment, but with a team like the one Wenger has currently built, fans can look forward to their club hitting its stride and getting the results they so desperately crave.
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