Arsenal news: Opinion – Fan writer on having patience

Arsenal “have a little patience”…

Take That may have coined the phrase in their popular 2000s song, but it’s this Arsenal team who are demonstrating it so far with their performances this season.

Last weekend against Fulham they had to break down a stubborn low block and then on Tuesday against a resolute Atletico Madrid they again showed the courage needed to break down well-organized teams.

We all know how Diego Simeone has organized his team in the past and before the match I remember thinking that we all needed to be a little patient with this match as it probably wouldn’t be a classic.

It is comforting to know that the team is confident that they will create chances and goals. Indeed, as a fan, you quickly go into panic mode when you see football being methodical and a little patient or slow in preparation. When you arrive in the second half and you haven’t scored, you always fear that it will be “one of those days”.

Yet this Arsenal team has such an unwavering belief that their patience will be rewarded time and time again, that we need to familiarize ourselves with this team’s style.

It helps when they can close the back door and not concede and I think Arsenal’s methodical build-up and slowing down of play can sometimes come from the comfort that they are so good defensively.

But there is still some nibbling to be done at the other end of the pitch and last night Arsenal did just that, turning a cagey and closely contested match into what was ultimately a walk in the park.

Long may this continue.

To learn more about Chris Howard, visit The suburban fools, external and the Same old Arsenal podcast, external