A “beautiful night” in Eindhoven provides some optimism again

Prior to Tuesday’s explosive 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16, the Gunners had scored only 2 goals in their last 4 matches, but then the floodgates opened and the goals just kept rolling in at Philips Stadion. As Mike Arteta said, “it was a beautiful night.”

This match was so much fun to watch, however, I kept asking myself what has changed over the past few weeks? Did the Gunners finally realize they needed to play better and to be more creative, or was PSV just an inferior club? I don’t think the latter was the reason. Remember, PSV beat Juventus in the previous round of the UCL to advance to the Round of 16. Beating the Old Lady is no easy task.

Can we again feel some optimism and hope for a string of great matches ahead from the Gunners, and can Mikel Arteta keep his squad firing on all eight cylinders heading into the weekend v Manchester United at Old Trafford?

This has not been a typical United season. The Red Devils are currently 14th in the Premier League with only 9 wins in 27 matches. Arsenal should prevail, and obviously needs to prevail on Sunday if the club wants to remain mathematically in the race with 1st place Liverpool. The Reds play Southampton on Saturday.

This has been a topsy-turvy season for Arsenal. Key injuries and too many draws have been the bad points, however, there have also been some outstanding performances and the team has indeed stuck together despite the many obstacles they have had to overcome.

Can Arsenal catch Liverpool? Probably not.

Can Arsenal win the Champions League? Probably not.

But, staying competitive in those competitions will go a long way to proving to the football world that Arsenal is a very good team who will continue to build the franchise back into a top tier club.

I’m not saying to write off this campaign, however, as supporters please stay engaged and see how the season ends in May before drawing any final conclusions.

COYG!

Gunner1953

112 thoughts on “A “beautiful night” in Eindhoven provides some optimism again

  1. Gabriel should be Arsenal captain always gives 100% also don’t buy Sesco to liqht and not physically strong enough for our prem, now at Porto Viera proved that not strong enough if we can’t get Isak or Gyokerres who are strong enough go for local pros like Mateta, Rutter ,or even Delap a 1/4 of the price and also how did Alensio go to villa Arteta should have got a quality player like him or Gibbs White we need players who can fit straight into our style

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