Down, But Not Out!
A few hours into the monumental clash I was optimistic but not totally confident. There is no denying the surprise factor they've sprang this season. As time went on, I got used to the uncomfortable sight of seeing them at the top. I wasn't really happy to see them up there, but as far as I'm concerned they are the lesser of two evils. So, when the news of Thomas Partey's injury filtered in I became agitated. One of Arsenal's problems in recent years has always been the lack of a proper, physically imposing defensive midfielder, leading to them getting harassed and bullied on several occasions. Partey sorted that problem brilliantly, so losing him in such a game of high stakes was unsettling.
Arsenal were admirable in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City, but being admirable does not win the big games or titles. The possession count showed Arsenal had the ball about two-third of the time. Once again, hugging the ball never translates to winnings. Is this the end of Arsenal's title challenge? Definitely not - they have a game in hand against Everton. However, even the most optimistic of supporters will now have a sincere doubt about the possibility of Arsenal ending their title drought, a feat that looked like an eventuality a few weeks ago when they led with as much as 8 points. Also, Arsenal has now lost 11 consecutive league games against City. When next they travel to the Etihad, there is a likelihood the losing streak will extend to 12 league games on a trot. Right now it looks like the bogeyman, City, is back and no one can do anything about it. As for me, I'll be rooting for Arsenal to do well in the next 16 games and pip City to the title. If they don't, it won't be the end of the world
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Wasteful or Impressive?
Todd Boehly was at the Signal Iduna Park to enjoy firsthand the magic of the Champions League in full pelt. Expectedly, the Yellow Wall never disappoints. What will disappoint Boehly will definitely be the wasteful attitude of his players. Having struggled with the quick feet of the Dortmund players in the first half, Chelsea asserted control in the second half but failed to take their chances. Dortmund's keeper made seven saves to Kepa's one. Felix wasted two glorious chances when he struck the post and skied the ball from inside the box. Sincerely, Chelsea had no business losing that match. However, their second half performance is good enough to suggest they will make the necessary tweaks and get past Dortmund in the second leg.
It will be silly to believe Chelsea will make the Champions League place considering the point gap and the teams ahead of them. It will be a lot more baffling for anyone to assume Chelsea can go all the way and win the Champions League - though it's not impossible. With those two very important targets seemingly out of reach, Potter can use the remainder of the season to mould his team in anticipation of an all out assault next season. They've assembled the pieces, it's now a question of if these wonderfully assembled pieces can be made to work in unison towards a common goal.
Image Source 1: https://images.app.goo.gl/KRXWXpwuWh7VB7yG7
Image Source 2: https://images.app.goo.gl/nV4oKSmpYxsj5pvd8
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It's not over yet. Anything can happen. I am still counting on Arsenal. City can be caught by any team as they always prefer to attack rather than just grab the points and kill it.
Sixteen games is a lot. I'm expecting more twists and turns in this total race. I hope Arsenal wins, not because I love them (hell, No!) but because I'm tired of seeing City bulldoze their way to the title every season!
Arsenal's game is impressive. But United, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Liverpool will be a barrier for both Gunners and Citizens. Also, there is Spurs. If United can pull out something, I won't be surprised. It's just a matter of a lousy game for each of them.
United looks short of some quality especially in the central striking role. I expect both Arsenal and City to fight it out till the end. If Chelsea can get their acts together, they should join the title fight next season.
The bet was always on City getting out of form more than it is Arsenal being in great form. I am very happy with the team and Arteta's approach is that he learns from his mistakes, a UCL finish is great as well for me.
After watching them bullied by Newcastle towards the tail end of last season no one could've predicted Arsenal would be in a title fight at this stage of the season. Arteta has done incredibly well with those boys.
Even if they miss out on the title this season, they won't be back fighting for an Europa League spot next season. This team is here to stay at and around the top.
@mckane what I know and what I always assume is that every soccer fan knows that everything/anything is possible in soccer,
What am trying to say is that Chelsea may not have a good chance to qualify for the top 4 places in the Premier League but the possibility of winning the Champions League is very much still alive, despite the fact that we were beaten by Dortmund we out played and dominated most of that game, am so confident we will definitely take care of business at home come the second leg
A good reminder is when we won the Champions League trophy in 2012 no one expected us to beat defending Champions Barcelona and go on to the Allianz Arena and beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in there own backyard but God did !!!
So let’s not leave any possibilities out, anything is very possible✌🏽
In football, nothing is impossible. Madrid proved that by riding their luck to the title in their knockout ties against PSG, Chelsea and City last season. However, a little bit of reality is equally important. 2012 Chelsea had world class players underperforming. That means when they get on their groove they can match anyone. 2012 Chelsea had Drogba and Lampard, highly experienced players who had being to the UCL Final before. This current Chelsea squad is nothing close to that.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but the chances of Chelsea winning the UCL is very slim except if one wants to deceive himself. By the way, I expect them to beat Dortmund and qualify for the quarterfinals. Who knows, they may get paired with Benfica who is considerably weaker.
Yeah that’s very true @mckane👌🏽