Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has every reason to believe 2010 could yet turn out to be a vintage year for his young team.
The Gunners head to West Ham on Sunday for their FA Cup third-round tie having dragged themselves right back into contention for the Barclays Premier League following five wins from the six games.
Another victory over struggling Bolton at Emirates Stadium on January 6, and Arsenal would move up to second place, and the deficit on leaders Chelsea down to just one point.
"Overall 2009 has been a positive year," said Wenger, set to rotate his squad for the cup tie at Upton Park.
"Let's continue to improve in the new year, and that is normal because we are a young team and should improve.
"This time last year we came out of a difficult period, so I am much more optimistic about the year ahead now than I was this time 12 months ago."
Wenger called on his side to maintain their consistency over the final five months of the campaign.
"I am very pleased with the last few weeks, because since the game against Chelsea we have caught many points back on them, so it is quite amazing," he said.
"That is why I believe in what I have been saying for a while, that it is just down to us now, down to our consistency and how much effort we can put into every game.
"Let's focus on our own performances because at the end of the season, our position will be determined by that and nothing else."
