Most Arsenal fans can't wait to see the back of this season. It's been a campaign characterised by underachievement and when the players embark on their annual "lap of appreciation" after Sunday's final game against Aston Villa, the atmosphere will be decidedly mooted.
However, any fans considering heading for an early exit would do well to remember that this is also their opportunity to bid farewell to three stalwarts of the club: Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini. Manager Arsene Wenger has been fulsome in his praise of the departing trio.
"Mikel Arteta is the captain of the club and has been a great leader," said Arsene Wenger in his pre-match press conference. "Tomas Rosicky has been with us for 10 years and I think everybody loves him as well. Mathieu Flamini has been an extremely strong leader on the pitch and off the pitch. We lose three big personalities."
The inclusion of Flamini in that list may raise eyebrows. He's been a divisive figure at times; a symbol of Wenger's tendency to persist with cheap options rather than bring in top-class alternatives. However, he's still been a loyal servant across two spells with the club that total seven seasons. His quality has occasionally been questionable, but his commitment on the field has not.
Arteta and Rosicky are almost universally admired. The Spaniard arrived in 2011 at a difficult point in the club's recent history, following an 8-2 mauling at Manchester United and the double departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Arteta's steady midfield presence and natural authority helped steady the ship.
Rosicky will be remembered with plenty of affection, not least for his knack of scoring against Tottenham. However, he'll be also be reflected upon as a player who never quite fulfilled his potential in north London. Bought in 2006 as a replacement for Robert Pires, a succession of injuries has prevented him from blossoming into a pivotal figure.
All three men will be hoping to get some time on the field in order to say a proper goodbye to the Emirates Stadium. That said, Sunday is no testimonial affair but a competitive fixture with three points at stake and potential repercussions for Arsenal's Premier League position.
The Gunners need a point to guarantee third place and automatic qualification for the Champions League. Against already-relegated Aston Villa that should be more than achievable. However, there is a more intriguing possibility on the table. If Arsenal win and Tottenham lose at Newcastle, the Gunners would leapfrog their local rivals and snatch second.
It might not seem particularly likely, especially as Newcastle were relegated in midweek and now have nothing to play for. However, somehow managing to finish above Tottenham even in their best season for more than 20 years would allow Arsenal to end an underwhelming season on a high.
With that in mind, Wenger must pick a strong side to face Villa. The back four are likely to remain unchanged from the last match against Manchester City, with Gabriel Paulista continuing in place of the injured Per Mertesacker.
In midfield, Wenger must consider whether or not to include either Jack Wilshere or Santi Cazorla from the start. Both men are in need of competitive action to prove their fitness for Euro 2016. After his appearance as a substitute at the Etihad, it is Wilshere who is most likely to play from the off.
Up front, Danny Welbeck's injury means Olivier Giroud is certain to continue as centre-forward. On the flank, Theo Walcott will be hoping for a start in order to stake his own international claim. Wenger must balance the desire to afford certain players game time with the need for three points.
Whoever starts, much of the attention will be on those named on the bench. Down the years, Rosicky, Arteta and Flamini seemed to take particular pleasure in tormenting Spurs. How fitting it would be if they could help do it one final time.