Hey, the only way is up right?

Winston Churchill once said, "Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." We've lost cup finals before and we will in the future, we know the feeling and by supporting Arsenal we know that it won't be the last time. Kudos to Birmingham, they didn't try and break legs, they defended resolutely and looked to nick it, which they did in the end. I wouldn't go as far to say that they deserved it more, but they certainly desired it more and linking back to my Churchill quote in the beginning they seemed to have a bit more determination. There were a few players who would die on the pitch for Arsenal: Nasri was always trying, Van Persie's knee exploded as he scored the equaliser and of course there's Jack Wilshere; unfortunately they were the exception rather that the rule.

Where to begin with young Jack? There's not a single match this season where I haven't watched him and thought "Wow. He will be incredible". The best part is it's true, whisper it quietly, but I think he has the potential to be the best, possibly the very best. That's not the brilliant part though, the brilliant part is that he's Arsenal through and through, obviously he showed it at the final whistle, but make no mistake about it, I would quite happily take this season as successful if Jack Wilshere carried on developing at this rate throughout the season.That was raw passion and real emotion we saw from him and that wouldn't go amiss from a few more players.

More news expected with regards to RVP's shattered knees, but he could be a doubt for the Nou Camp, at least Bendtner knows how to score there though. I suppose the brief respite we can take from the loss is that, after performances like that the team usually bounce back on the biggest stage, but before looking ahead to Barca it's the O's that could pose a problem in medweek, we can't be complacent.

Remember what it means to be a fan, as someone said yesterday on Twitter: "Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.". It's times like this the the crowd really have to get behind the team and ensure that the desire is always there for every match, whether we're playing Barca, Birmingham or Bournemouth.


Anger fades and tears dry, but my love for Arsenal will never die. Through think and thin, highs and lows, a Gunner to the end.