Regardless from where I start, I cannot not show my gratitude to all those who made one first season in the online world of Arsenal football possible. Month after month I saw the number of hits raise, enough to surprise myself and the rest of the team, so yes, allow me to say thank you to all the regular readers of this website and also to those who just read, without dropping a comment.

Last game it is

In the same way I am saying thank to you, it will be a party-like atmosphere at the Emirates to say thank you to the players and staff. Even if the season has been disappointing, gratitude is to be shown to all those who fought in the red and white jersey although some may of course not wear it next season.

I have mixed feelings on the possible departure of Adebayor, I mean, I remember a couple of years ago when we were 0-2 down at half time against Pompey and he came on to literally inspire an incredible comeback but I also remember this season, a below-par one, a lazy one if you like, as maybe a sign he won’t be with us next season.

Also Van Persie is tipped as a possible transfer out since he’s yet to renew his contract so who knows, we may have to wave farewall to another important element of the side although as always, best would be to wait and see.

I would like to go into more detail about our season but I will be doing so in three separate articles in which I will examine our season, our players and our future. I will also publish some information on what the future lies ahead for The Gunning Hawk after such a successful first year, but that won’t be before mid-June.

My favourite line-up

Wenger said he will start with those who played most games for us, so with Nasri out I believe the starting line-up will be:

Pre-match interviews

Wenger:

The state of our club is fantastic.

At a big club, it is simple. There is philosophy, a style of play and a culture of how you want to play the game. We have all that.

People think it is a disaster to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup, while finishing fourth. Okay, so you can do better, but if that is a disaster, then the future of the club is very promising.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

Arsene sent me a lovely letter and a signed Arsenal shirt. That was a really nice gesture and I appreciated it.

What was said by Arsene Wenger is over, water under the bridge. He is a top-class manager with a top club and top players. We are competitive, sometimes you mis-time tackles. But we haven’t got dirty players.

Before, during and after the game

As always, tune in for team line-ups, streaming links, half time and full time reports, post-match thoughts, video highlights and what the press is writing. And of course, do contribute if you want to by making use of the comment box available at the bottom of the post as it’s always nice to hear your opinion. And as a final note, if you want to go one step further than just leaving a comment and want to have your articles published on our website, take a look here for more information.