Will Arsenal Gift Manchester City One of the Greatest Premier League Comebacks?
This weekend of Game Week 32 in the EPL saw League leaders Arsenal lose to Bournemouth at The Emirates, while the chasers, Manchester City, thrashed Chelsea by 3 goals to nil. This has blown the title race wide open. Manchester City have been gaining form again steadily, but Arsenal have started getting very shaky since late March. Arsenal’s issues all started with the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, followed by a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship side, Southampton. Needless to say, it has been a very disheartening few weeks for Arsenal and their fans. And, unfortunately, this has become a trend with the current League leaders over the years, where it is noted that they crumble in April.
Arsenal are still in control…
Realistically, the title is still well-within Arsenal’s grasp, but they need to do something, and quickly, if they are going to get any silverware this season. It has been an extremely embarrassing time for the Gunners and the unnecessary mockery from their rivals has resumed. If the complete disrespect and mocking doesn’t fuel these boys to be their best, then I don’t know what will. Because some of the so-called jokes go far beyond banter, with even some major media houses being biased and criticising Arsenal much more harshly than any other team.
Some rivals and pundits even go as far as blaming Arsenal fans’ behaviour for their lack of objectivity and using that as an excuse to be mean-spirited. And, to be honest, the harsh (and sometimes obviously biased) opinions are not being fought off well-enough from Arsenal. Terms like, “bottlejobs” and “bridesmaids” can only be warded off if Arsenal prove them wrong. The question is, will they?
Can the Gunners bounce back?
Arsenal’s mentality is in question and, after their second leg Champions League match against Sporting this week, they play Manchester City in the Premier League, in a game that may well determine the title winner this season.
Manchester City are still not the City of old, but they definitely have momentum at present and, if Arsenal don’t win the title this season, it will really just be because the Gunners didn’t capitalise on the opportunity they have had. Arsenal are a strong team who are very capable of winning trophies, and they are in the driver’s seat here. They have played brilliantly this season (regardless of their rivals feeling entitled to demanding “pretty football” from them), grinding out tough wins when they needed to, so if they were to let the title slip through their fingers, it really would be one of the worst fails for the team and a free gift to a Manchester City side that is, evidently, not invincible. Arsenal must beat the narrative by beating Manchester City this Sunday.
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