Wenger might have the last laugh

Arsene Wenger is experienced enough to know that there is little point in evaluating a club’s season prematurely. He has been saying Arsenal should be judged at the end of the season and when the day of reckoning comes he will be able to reflect on a job well done, as the Gunners will start next season in rude health.

The six-year trophy drought endured by Arsenal is, for many, a canard. The more realistic Arsenal fans know a 16th consecutive qualification for the Champions League would be a fine achievement, as Arsenal have operated in a notorious financial straitjacket but fans of Victor Chandler will know they remain competitive.

Compared to the days of the ‘Invincibles’ this is slim pickings, but in the climate of UEFA financial fair play Arsenal’s balance sheet prudence is not to be sniffed at. On the field Wenger believes he is building another dynasty and to emerge from a season of transition – that started with four defeats from seven matches – in the top four would be a decent stepping-stone.

Since those dark early days the Gunners have lost just four times in 22 matches and are on a current winning streak of six matches. Four last minute goals have come in this sequence, confirming that the resilience that Wenger talks about so often is indeed present.

Can Arsenal go a step further next season and challenge for the title? They are not far short. The developing squad will be better for their time together this campaign and the addition of Lukas Podolski will take the pressure of Robin van Persie, who must be maintained, as the club would not survive his loss in the manner they have since Cesc Fabregas departed.

More determination in defending leads is needed, but the goalkeeping problem has been solved and the central defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny is promising and people looking for football betting tips should remember this.

If Wenger does build another championship winning team it will be worth the wait and even if he must postpone his last laugh until then, the sight of his team entering the table’s top three for the first time will result in a wry smile.