Wednesday 22 May 2013

GUNNERS ARE READY TO FIRE - KIERAN GIBBS

ABOVE: Kieran Gibbs hopes Arsenal's form over the last few weeks is a sign of things to come
“
This dramatic finale makes us even stronger and we are going into next season head on
”
Kieran Gibbs
21st May 2013

By Ian Murtagh

KIERAN GIBBS celebrated Arsenal’s top-four finish and last night predicted: “This can be the start of something good.”

The 23-year-old defender hopes the Gunners’ form over the last few weeks, to overhaul Spurs, is a sign of things to come.

Arsenal picked up 26 points out of 30 to maintain their remarkable record under Arsene Wenger and the full-back is confident that in August, they can carry on where they have just left off.

“This dramatic finale makes us even stronger and we are going into next season head on,” said the England international, a key figure in the back line this term.

“We would have liked a better season but overall, you have to be happy with the way the team got together after December and showed character to come back and finish where we want to be.

“It’s been a test but in the end, we deserve to be in the top four.

“This club has done it for many seasons on the bounce now and although we’ve still got a play-off to get into the Champions League, it feels massive.”

Arsene Wenger’s side, who lost Robin van Persie last summer, were slated earlier this season as the weakest since he took charge in 1996.

But they have gradually improved and according to Gibbs, there’s a lot more to come.

He added: “We are a new-look side. New signings have had to come in and step up. As time went on, we started to get to know each other and to gel as a team.

“That was important and it stands us in good stead for next season.

“You’ve seen the quality and while we haven’t shown it consistently, there have been many glimpses of what this team is capable of.

“We’re desperate to get a trophy under our belts.”

Gibbs accepts that despite the joy at clinching fourth spot, that can’t be considered the ultimate prize for a club like Arsenal.

He said: “We were celebrating but the fact is we haven’t actually won anything. We are aware that we must produce next season.”

And Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis last night admitted: “It is important to reiterate that for everyone at the club, qualification for the Champions League is not our ultimate ambition.

“Our majority owner Mr Kroenke has made it clear that while it’s an achievement to make the Champions League, our ultimate objective is to win the major trophies.

“Arsene Wenger and I have already been planning what we need to do to strengthen so we are better placed next season.”

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