Morning all
I heard/read the words “it’s a two horse race” the other day in reference to the Premier League title. I still think Man Utd shouldn’t be written off entirely but it would take a huge dip in form and dreadful run of results for both City and ourselves for them to even have the chance and even then, I can’t see Utd accumulating the number of points they’d need over the next two months.
Man City are through to the Champions League quarter-finals after battering RB Leipzig last night which is good for them of course, but it’s good for us too. The more fixtures they have to cope with the better and right now, they’re challenging for three trophies, although I’m convinced the Champions League one Pep badly wants to win as it’s the only one which has eluded him as a Man City manager.
It’s hard to believe that just eleven League fixtures remain this season, ten after this weekend’s round of fixtures. City though, have an FA Cup fixture this weekend so they’ll have an extra match to play.
So, let’s look at the run in.
Arsenal:
March.
H – Crystal Palace
April.
H – Leeds
A – Liverpool
A – West Ham
H – Southampton
A – Man City
H – Chelsea
May.
A – Newcastle Utd
H – Brighton
A – Nottingham Forest
H – Wolves
Man City:
April.
H – Liverpool
A – Southampton
H – Leicester City
A – Brighton
H – Arsenal
A – Fulham
May.
H – Leeds
A – Everton
H – Chelsea
A – Brentford
Man Utd:
March
H – Fulham
April.
A – Newcastle Utd
H – Brentford
H – Everton
A – Nottingham Forest
H – Chelsea
A – Tottenham
H – Aston Villa
May
A – West Ham
H – Wolves
A – Bournemouth
H – Fulham
Six home fixtures for Arsenal, five for Man City and seven for Man Utd. Sounds pretty even but our away fixtures are horrid. Anfield, The Etihad and St James Park being the worst in my opinion, not that the others are much kinder but that’s Premier League football, tough.
Whilst City challenge for the Champions League trophy, both Utd and ourselves are still in with a chance of winning the Europa League. Utd are pretty much through to the next round as they hold a 4-1 advantage over Real Betis going into tomorrow’s second leg but Mikel Arteta’s men still have a lot to do if they’re to be in the draw for the quarter-final on Friday.
At the beginning of the season, if someone with mystic powers had said to me that Arsenal were going to finish second or third in the league this campaign, I’d have been over the moon. After all, Champions League football was/is what the club financially needed so that Mikel Arteta can build an even stronger squad than he already has. But, having been at the top of the table as long as we have, it’s fair to say that finishing third would be a bit of a disappointment. Not for one minute though did I envisage Arsenal being top of the table on April 1st. In fact any such suggestion would have been fitting for the date. Yet here we are…
I still think City have the advantage because they’ve done it before whereas only Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko know what it takes to win the Premier League. Mikel Arteta knows too and such experience might just prove to be invaluable.
There may only be eleven fixtures left of this Premier League season but that’s 33 points to win or lose. Mathematically, 11th place Aston Villa could still win the League but of course that’s not going to happen. The run in is going to be bumpy I’m sure but not just for Arsenal. At least I hope not…
Catch up in the comments.
Afternoon Rico and all.
I am quite happy with our run home.
If the rumors are correct, then Pep may could be worried as PSG are apparently interested in Halaand.
Sorry to have abandoned you Geoff, I was just logging in earlier and the phone rang..
https://www.arsenal.com/news/updates-arsenal-board
We are pleased to announce Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke have become our Co-Chairs whilst Tim Lewis becomes our Executive Vice-Chair.
The appointments are a recognition of how our leadership structure has evolved over the past several seasons since Kroenke Sports & Entertainment assumed 100 per cent ownership of Arsenal Football Club in 2018.
Stan, Josh and Tim have worked together to drive our club forward and their appointments bring clarity to our structure that reflect their roles and responsibilities and will ensure we continue in our pursuit of progress and success.
Stan Kroenke said: “This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club. Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles.
“Our objectives and ambition will never waver – to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world.
“Supported by our Director, Phil Harris, and together with our Executive Team and all our wonderful people, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club.”
Good old Stan.
No problems Rico, the phone always seems to ring at the wrong time.
I don’t care what position stan or Josh hold, as long as they show full support to the club, fans and Arteta is all that counts.
Talking of two horse races, I’ve got a tip for my fellow Norfolkian, Mighty Potter in the 1.30 at Cheltenham, with seven wins from nine starts he’s an evens favourite, so you won’t make a fortune. 😉
No Eddie Nketiah tonight, according to Arteta he’s “still weeks away from fitness”.
not into racing Cicero but thanks for the tip . I once met Prince Monalulu of I’ve got a horse fame at Epsom . The only problem was it usually was addicted to oats , had three legs and ran backwards .
Hi HHERS. Sometimes I sit down and reflect on how at one point we prayed Usmanov would take full control of the club. Time really flies. All the petrol dollars have not exactly set the Everton stadium alight. Football is an interesting industry
came in 3 rd at. 6 to 4 on . you owe me a pint .
New post up