Arsenal Win Late – Proving The Doubters Wrong?
Arsenal Capitalise
In a dramatic Premier League weekend, that had already seen league leaders Liverpool and dark horses Chelsea drop points, Arsenal had to win. In previous years, and even already this year, Arsenal has been seen, and described, as a team with a soft underbelly. By pundits and fans alike. If they lost, or even drew today, those people would’ve been validated. But they didn’t. Arteta did everything Arsenal fans, and opposing fans have been telling him to do, he came out firing. Arsenal had their best team on the pitch from minute one, and absolutely dominated Newcastle. The funny thing is though, it almost didn’t work. Further proof to all the fans hating Arteta’s defensive system, that he knows what he’s doing. Because of course, even playing offensively all game, they scored their winner from a set piece. A reminder to all managers, play to your team’s strengths, not their weaknesses.
Grand Scheme
What does this mean for the title race, if anything? The facts so far are that Liverpool have kept on winning, but unconvincingly, up until this weekend. Some see this as the sign of champions, others see it as defensive fragility. Of course it shows a great deal of courage and fight to win, to continually get over the line, even when the team has played poor. But, how long can the team play poor for, and continue to win? At this point, I would begrudgingly argue that Arsenal look the better side. Yes they’re very defensive, but that’s just their style. I also don’t subscribe to what many top pundits are saying, in that they have to go and beat the Manchester City’s and the Liverpool’s. When did going away to Liverpool and getting a draw become cowardess? Obviously they ended up losing, but they were one unbelievable free kick away from being level on points with Liverpool right now. Having played a lot more difficult fixtures. Keep in mind, Liverpool were bailed out by a horrendous last minute handball against Burnley. If we’re looking at both favourites right now, and trying to figure out who looks more likely to win the league, I have to say the team that looks more comfortable in their style. Arsenal look the same as they have the past few years, and Liverpool look a shadow of themselves.
Liverpool are in a period of integrating a whole host of new players, but they can’t afford to give them time, as Arsenal begin the chase.