Of course, we all recognised all that. But it was an enormous strategic error to state it publicly, as it suggested to everyone that actually winning the league was beyond us and merely finishing in the top four was fine.
It's true, of course it is! It goes without saying. But that does not mean the leader of our organisation ought to get caught saying it. People want him to show a bit more spirit. Confidence.
"Plenty of strikers can score goals," he said, gesturing to the famous old stands casting shadows around us.
"But a lot have found it difficult wearing the number 9 shirt for The Arsenal."