Recently, I was involved in a mild discussion with a colleague on the fact that Arsenal is the only top team in Europe (maybe the world) that the fans cannot categorically conclude that it will win a match against any team; no matter the pedigree of the opposition.
Further, I mentioned that the Gunners case is ‘take it as it comes situation’. While some parts of these positions may seem harsh and some Wenger apologists will argue otherwise; the fact speaks for itself.
A neutral evaluation of Arsenal in the past 12 seasons shows an ominous consistency in failure to hold on to strong positions and advantages. Just when you are beginning to sit pretty that all is finally well with them; they come up with a shocker that leaves you reeling.
Latest case in sight – Watford; who had never won in the modern Premiership against Arsenal came to the Emirates and scored two goals in the first half of a game that should never have been allowed to slip away. But that was exactly what happened. They were left with no option than to chase the game in the second half against a resolute side who knew the value of what they had and hung on for dear lives to keep hold of it.
One can point at several other games in the current season say less of past era of disappointments and heartaches. The first game against Liverpool at the Emirates left no one in doubt that it will be ‘same as usual’ for Wenger and his men. That disgraceful entry into the 2017/2017 season forced Arsene to buy a quality player in Shkodran Mustafi. Otherwise, he would have kept faith with what he had!
After that debacle, they strung together an impressive run only to tamely fail at Goodison Park against Everton in a game they took the lead. They repeated that infamy against Manchester City four days later.
Along the way, they got knocked out of the EF cup by Southampton who (surprise, surprise), they thoroughly trashed in the Emirates FA Cup penultimate week. It is this level of inconsistency that has validated the strong pessimism of some of us to the probability of Arsenal doing something great like winning the English Premiership or Champions League any time soon under Wenger.
Arsene Wenger
Wenger, banned for four games
Meanwhile, Wenger is serving a four-match ban leaving him with only a space in the stands. Will this serve to drive the team? Only 90 minutes; sorry 95 minutes will determine the result.
Head to Head (All competitions)
Team Played Win Draw Lose Goals
Chelsea 166 55 48 63 215
Arsenal 166 63 48 55 229
Therefore, as they confront league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the early kick off today, it is my opinion that contrary to expectations that they will rise to the occasion and might cause an upset and shock the Blues on their home tuff; the reverse is likely to be the case!
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