The disappointing week has passed when three Cup exits simultaneously showed Arsenal’s season the door. It’s a different side of the season; the flip side, the denouement. Nobody has expectations, other than, ‘Well, it’s Arsenal, so stylish and above average, if possible.’

It’s too bad that games like Liverpool at Anfield, or Chelsea at the Emirates don’t hold more significance. Imagine those games being potential title-deciders? Emirates Stadium hopefuls have only a third-place fight with Liverpool to think about, but that might come down to matches against Chelsea or Portsmouth.

It’s pretty clear that Arsenal’s squad is about as big and talented as it needs to be. Defensively, they could use some maturity. A couple of big-game players never hurt anybody. But it’s the prospect of next season and the pairing of Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, and watching them score goals at will. Reflect back to the 2005/06 season and it’s easy to remember that partnership as it was fostered by Arsene Wenger to become prolific.

Emmanuel Adebayor has been a great replacement and, Kanu comparisons aside, he’ll likely be part of Wenger’s future plans.

This season may not be known for trophies, but for the morale-boosting victories over hefty opponents. Liverpool visited the Emirates, but were quickly shown the exit in a dismal 3-0 showing that proved their title challenge to be nought. Tottenham were thumped by an identical scoreline and crossed north London empty-handed.

Visits to both Chelsea and Manchester United seemed ill-timed and likely losses, even to the smartest and most loyal of Gunners fans. Away wins against title hopefuls are never easy to come but an inspirational 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, with enigmatic performances from Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas, gave Arsenal all three points. Likewise Chelsea, who hadn’t been beaten by anyone in nearly a year and a half at Stamford Bridge, felt Arsenal’s youth movement. A draw - and one goal apiece was a fair result.

Then came 2007, and an unbelievable win over Manchester United at the Emirates with a stoppage-time equaliser from Henry sealing the double over their title-challenging counterparts.

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom. Next year, though, it’s easy to say that we Arsenal fans would trade a few stylish performances for a few gritty ones, where a 1-0 win is churned out, and the summit of the table is within grasp.

‘Trust Arsene’ is the message, but ‘let’s get going’ comes from the fans. We’ve all seen Wenger’s promise and his ability to score talent - but we’d like to see a trophy, too.

Gunners fans, would you prefer a more gritty Arsenal further up the Premiership? Send your views to Sportingo.