Wenger’s reasons to be cheerful

ARSENE WENGER admits 2011 was his annus horriblis but there is growing reason for encouragement as the new year begins with Arsenal in the top four, Robin van Persie still fit and Thierry Henry on the way home.

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over QPR on Saturday summed up so much of what is good and bad about a side that still plays wonderful football but still struggles to convert chances if Van Persie isn’t on target.

But things are very, very different to September when Arsenal were closer to the bottom of the table than the top, seemed incapable of defending and were struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel after losing Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and losing 8-2 at Old Trafford.