A Valuable Point Gained
For weeks, the calculation has been very predictable : Arsenal will lose at Anfield, cutting their table topping point gap to five. They'll definitely lose at the Etihad, reducing the gap to just two. Then, City will win their outstanding match to go a point clear and eventually win the title. Well, dear "permutators", for your information that permutation is now officially out of the window.
It's understandable if a person is pessimistic or just hates the fact that Arsenal are doing well at the moment. What no one can deny is the fact that Arsenal are playing one of the best football in England at the moment. They look inevitable. Like, you just know they'll score goals no matter the pattern of play the opponent chooses to employ.
The trip to Anfield was meant to be daunting - Arsenal have not recorded a win at the very fearful Liverpool football stadium in over a decade. In fact, they've only recorded one draw in that span; other results ranged from gritty defeats to total beatdown. Anfield is such a tricky place to go, you need not look too far to remember the 7-0 drubbing they dished out to Man United just a couple weeks back.
Without doubt, throwing away a two goal lead is not an impressive feat to celebrate. But one has to credit Arsenal for holding out for a very important point when it looked like Liverpool would eventually score the winner. They rode their luck a couple times and had their 'keeper Ramsdale to thank for that unbelievable save to earn a point.
Now, back to the earlier mathematical permutation : If City win their game in hand and also defeat Arsenal, assuming both teams go ahead to win their remaining games they will end up on the same point. That means the Premier League will be decided by goal difference for the first time since Aguero scored that infamous goal in 2012. That looks interesting!
Finally, I will comfortably back Arsenal to go to the Etihad and pick a valuable point like they did at Anfield. They've been very good this season and are the neutrals favourite to win the league considering the fact that Guardiola and his machinery of players have held the league on a choke-hold for the past six years. I'm just so tired of those sky blue guys.
NB : I recently engaged in a serious argument about who the better player is among Martinelli, Antony and Raphinha. I have to admit I feel ashamed right now for arguing that those three are not far apart. In fact, Martinelli has been a class act this season. If Arsenal wins the league, he will definitely be in the conversation for the PFA awards though the cyborg from Norway will probably sweep the awards.
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Away game at Newcastle is also going to be tough. I’d say Arsenal have the tougher league fixtures but then City are still in 2 cup competitions which gives them less preparation
I think the match between Arsenal and City still being the most important game. The moral of Arsenal can be destroyed if they loose again to their main rivals, even if City still have other cups to play. Usually Pep's team doesn't get softer on the season ending, let's see how the young Arsenal team respond to this crucial moment.
If Arsenal can get out of that City match still retaining as much as a 3 point lead, it will boost their morale. The funny thing is everyone expects City to defeat Arsenal. That game is crucial mathematically and psychological for both teams.
Yeah, that’s going to be an awesome game. Certainly not a forgone conclusion
On paper, Arsenal definitely have the tougher fixtures. They'll still play Newcastle, City, Brighton and Chelsea. Those are very tough games. However, those guys look tough.
If their is one truth still playing at the back of the mind, its the fact that City can go on some crazy run and win their remaining games emphatically. Can Arsenal do that? Well, they've not done it before. So the jury is out on them.
In all sincerity, I wish the Gunners win the league this year. But, wishes doesn't win football matches!
As a brazilian, all we can think about right now is "Why does Martinelli and Vini Jr play in the same side?" heehehe
We would be grateful to see both playing at the same time on the national team.
Martinelli has been incredible this season. He's always had the talent but injuries just wouldn't let him be. Having a clean bill of health has given him a real boost.
Hehe Hi.
I perfectly understand this and I think about this from time to time. Both are young too. Indeed you Brazilians should be feeling this way. Only consolation, is the popular saying that, it's better to have extra than to have scarcity.🤷♂️
Cheers man
Hi mate,
Well the Arsenal keeps at it. They truly want it. Yeah Martinelli is such a danger, impressive workrate too.
Nice write-up you have here.
Cheers man
Hi.
Though Arsenal have some tough fixtures ahead, I just hope they win this one.
Cheers, boss.
I think Arsenal have been and is still seen as the underdogs. I don't blame people for thinking so looking at how they have held a team like Liverpool for the past five years. Thus, it is completely normal. But it is now in Arsenal's hand to make the most out of the remaining fixtures.
You are completely right, they're still the underdog. City have been in this position before, hunting down an opposition and snatching the league title, Arsenal on the other hand haven't done this in a very long time.
I couldn't help myself but fast forward to match day 38; Arsenal vs. Wolves and City vs. Brentford. I have a feeling that its going to come down to this game and with both games being playing in London, it's going to be a party for one team or another in the capital. Bring it on!
This season's title battle is really absorbing. The capital will be lit for GW38. I pray both of them hold out till that final game, it will be thrilling.
I found the match interesting and Arsenal started in their usual fashionably securing an early goal in the game and getting a second goal before the end of the first half.
As you said, one point is better than none.
Half bread is better...
I hope they win the league with one point. Then they'll look back with joy at the solitary point they suffered to gain at Anfield.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hehe... Hopefully. You are welcome.