It’s clear that many of the Gunners squad are still carrying the mental scars incurred last season, when they let a sizeable lead at the top of the Premier League slip during the months of February and March, to leave the club potless by the end of the campaign. Arsenal players such as William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie will attempt to help their countries win Euro 2008 to try and compensate, with the latter especially frustrated by the previous domestic campaign.
The Daily Mirror reports that the striker is keen for the Dutch to continue their good form after thrashing Italy 3-0, rather than have a few dazzling displays and then nothing to show for it, a la Arsenal last season.
“We played some great football and it reminded me of the football we play at Arsenal because we have an amazing counter-attack at the Emirates as well,” said the 24-year-old frontman.
“But at Arsenal this season it was so frustrating. We deserved to win at least something for the football we played, but we lost a little bit of momentum at one stage – away at Birmingham, for instance, when we lost two points.
“Those weeks in February and March were quite tough and that was when we lost it. It was a small period but it’s a thin line between winning or losing.
“For me, I can put that right a little bit by winning with my country. This is the chance for me to end the season on a big high, because I’m desperate to win something, to play in a final and win it. We want to show you can win a big title like this playing great football.”
Sadly, there are going to be some disappointed players this summer, with Germany, Spain, Holland and Portugal all laying claims to the Euro 2008 crown after decent opening game performances. Perhaps at least one or two Arsenal players can experience success, rather than being the bridesmaid.