Arsenal has now limped to three straight draws. That’s only 3 out of the last 9 points won. What was a fairly comfortable lead over Manchester City is now down to a minuscule 5 points with Pep having 2 games in hand.
Wednesday is absolutely a “must win” for the Gunners if they have any hope of lifting the trophy on May 28th.
With that said, here’s the good, the bad and the ugly from Friday…
The good…the last 10 minutes of the match saw the Gunners scratch and claw their way back to a draw. Beyond that and the play of Gabriel Martinelli, there’s not a lot of good to talk about.
The bad…The midfield was overwhelmed for most of the game. They consistently lost balls, and were unable to produce any offensive threat until the waining moments of the game.
The ugly…All 3 of Southampton’s goals were produced from horrible Arsenal play. First, Aaron Ramsdale’s misdirected pass early in the game, then the poor defending on Theo Walcott’s goal, and finally the unmarked Saints player heading in a goal from a set piece. Horrible mistakes that can not made by a championship-caliber team trying to win a championship, especially at this point of the season.
Also, we obviously missed Granit Xhaka’s tenaciousness and William Saliba’s strong will in the line-up. Is our bench not as good as we originally thought at a time we need them the most?
I have been as positive as I can be these last few weeks. I really have. Who wasn’t confident the Gunners would rebound and roll all over the Saints on Friday? Mikel Arteta’s side has now given up 4 points this season to the cellar-dwelling Southampton club. Those 4 points would mean a world of difference right now. How can this happen against a less talented club, in Emirates stadium with Pep Guardiola breathing down our necks. I’m at a lost.
Before I wrote this, I read on article posted on Just Arsenal News. They wrote that Manchester City would slaughter the Gunners if we play like they played on Friday. I totally agree.
On Wednesday, we will need to see a team playing with less nerves, with more determination, with less mental breakdowns and with more freedom.
Wednesday could be a great day, or it could be a disaster. I pray for the first, but fear the latter.
I hope we haven’t thrown away the Premier League title these last 3 matches, but right now I’m just not sure. A title is definitely on the brink.
COYG, prove me wrong!
Gunner1953
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Ten Premier League managers have been sacked this season, including three at Nottingham Forest, and two each at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
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