The Table Never Lies

Before we get to the Spurs-Manciti game tonight, which will probably determine whether we finish 3rd or 4th, let's just have a proper look at the table. It never lies. After 38 games, throw in the odd day-off, the odd period here and there with injuries, it never ever lies. Nobody wins leagues on the fluke.

First, we were even on points with last season with 35 games played. Good progress, you would say. But after 37 games played, we're still level on points. As to whether we've made progress since then, let's just see what happens after Fulham. Fingers crossed they send out their 9-year old girls' team. That'll probably be best for us. They have a Europa League final to contend with a couple of days later, so it's worth a wild wish. Here's a little point to note: we've lost 9 games already this season. That's as many as Everton. Everton. Three more than Manciti, two more than Aston Villa. We've let in 41 goals. The same as Fulham.

Second, I'm not even going to get into comparing our goals conceded with past seasons. We know where that one's going to end up. But let's just look at points. Besides last season, 07/08 saw 83 points. 68 and 67 before that, then 83 and of course 90 points in that glorious 03/04 season. So, this season, it's 72,73, 75, whatever. Have we made progress? Are we on the way up? Or are we just sorta hanging around in the evolving list of clubs outside Chelski and Man U?

Third, guess what. We were eleven points behind Chelski at some point - probably right when we'd just been slapped by them. We managed to haul ourselves back in it, with a run of decent results with the hard ones of out of the way, and let's add - with a string of weird results from both Chelski and Man U to help as well. Having hauled ourselves level (albeit with one more game played) but ahead on goal difference, we're now 25 goals behind on the GD count. 25! After winning 4-2 against Bolton in late January, we're ahead on goal difference. And now, it's 25 behind! The table never lies.

The question is then, do we have much to look forward to? Yes, Chamakh has tried his best to lift our spirits by confirming his signing for us. Thanks dude. But let's face it. Even with Eduardo out of the equation, up front is not necessarily our top priority.

Whether or not Fabianski stays and takes on the #1 shirt will probably be indication of just how serious Wenger is of doing something next season. We've heard Buffon, Hart, whatever. Just give me anyone, and I mean anyone, from any of the other teams in the EPL, and I'd giggle myself silly with happiness.

Apart from the #1 priority, it's then defence. Sol should stay, and even with Djourou back, we'll need at least one more solid experienced head in the centre of defence. We've probably missed the boat on Hangeland (at least when it comes to a cheap buy), so I really am not sure where we stand on that.

These are some sad days. There are gaps everywhere on the pitch that need filling. Why do I have this throbbing, dull ache that tells me Wenger's not going to get anywhere close to filling them?