Preparation

By Chris Toronyi

We’ve been preparing all season for this run of games. Just as a method actor sinks his or her teeth into a role, Arsenal have done the same. We've shown the world that we can morph from a team that glides up and down the pitch into a team that can grind out the results.

We've delivered these results over and over without hesitation, just going about our business, displaying maturity and desire. It's rare that you find this in sport -- or in acting. But we've somehow found the right balance to deliver performances that vary from game to game.

And I'm loving every minute of our team's screen time.

To draw an analogy, look at one of my favorite method actors of our generation, Christian Bale. He's the perfect example of how an actor can move in and out of different roles and personalities, but still deliver over and over again with such creative force. Just recall his performances in "American Psycho" where he redefined crazy with sprinkles of Huey Lewis -- or the ever creepy Trevor Reznik in 'The Mechanic.'  Both were haunting, but so rich in character and depth. Both of these performances provided iconic transformations, but in different ways: they were believable, they were sad, they were mesmerizing.

And how can we forget him 'The Fighter' as Dicky Eklund, where he won an Oscar for his performance. From the opening scene, he was knee deep into his character, acting lost with eyes so glassed over you'd think he was truly high. That's preparation. That's wanting it. That's understanding your role, your character and your responsibility.

Think of the fear an actor must feel when he realizes what's at stake. The same goes for Arsenal players right now. Expectations are high and results are needed. But this is what they live for, this is what they've been preparing for: a chance to play in high-pressure games, where it's a high energy, high stress environment.

This Arsenal team has matured over the years. They have suffered through loss and rejection, but these elements made them stronger and made them who they are. They have pieced together these experiences and emotions to create some deeply meaningful performances. And that has propelled them to a place that many would long for.

A chance to create history. A chance to be bold. To be brave. To be a Fighter.

Let's sink our teeth into the opportunity we have shaped. I know that Arsenal have it in them to deliver the goods. Deliver an Oscar worthy performance.

I also have to mention the passing of one of the great method actors ever, Philip Seymour Hoffman. His talents on stage and in front of the camera were arresting and beautiful to watch. He was the character. His creativity will be deeply missed. 

ArseAmerica Podcast returns this week with Tom Watt, @Arse2Mouse and @7amKickoff. We talk season success, the Palace game, our defensive maturity and understanding, and look ahead to Liverpool.  Please know you an access the show at the website, subscribe on iTunes, or you can grab the RSS Feed.  Thanks for listening.

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'Stateside Gooner' Chris Toronyi is a longtime Arsenal supporter and the host of the ArseAmerica podcast. You can read more of Chris' thoughts on Twitter. 

The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Arsenal Football Club or Arsenal Broadband Ltd.