Are `LUCKY´ Arsenal really out of title race?
Not only do I feel that Arsenal were very lucky to leave the north east with all three points yesterday, but I do feel sorry for Newcastle who will play a lot worse than that and win games. They were clearly stung by the `flip flop´ jibes from their defeat last weekend and we nearly paid the price.
I have rarely seen such hunger and determination than we did from the Magpies in the second half but thankfully Giroud had taken his shooting boots with him and we defended well and rode our luck.
The fact that the Gunners struggled against a Newcastle team depleted by injury problems and suspensions and with nothing but pride to play for may have been the reason why Arsene Wenger all but dismissed our hopes of challenging Chelsea for the Premier League title this season, as reported by Sky Sports.
Wenger said, “I think Chelsea have too much security. I just think at the moment we are not concluding, we are in a fight.
“You have seen the game today – in every game, we need to turn up and fight until the last minute to get the points.
“That’s what we have to do, just go for the next game and win it. The players want to do as well as they can. We know we have a fight first to be in the top four. We will go step by step, game by game.”
I think, however, that the fact we won yesterday in a match that we could so easily have drawn or even lost, highlights that we are now able to win in different ways, grinding out results, digging in or playing on the break as well as the more usual Arsenal way of dominating the ball and playing fluent and attractive football, means that we do still have a chance.
We thank God yesterday’s result went to our way at St. James’ Park as the Gunners took it after putting in a master class solidarity defending in the 2nd half of the game. I think the Gunners did very well and deserved to take away all the 3 points that were at stake to the Emirates stadium. Having said this, nevertheless, I noticed some 4 Gunners will need to improve on their game lapses as I saw their performances in that game on my TV. They have to improve ahead of our hosting the Scousers from the May seaside for a big game at the Emirates stadium on 4th of April, 2015. For this purpose , all the Gunners that are not involved in the International Friendlies, must adhere themselves to personal discipline by abstaining from any form of indulgence such as sex, smoking and drinking that can downgrade their focus and form. Those Gunners not called for International duties, MUST be attending the Arsenal London Colney training sessions as scheduled to uptmize their game sharpness and readiness.