The sooner we forget about Thursday, the better for everyone

I’m not sure if it was Tottenham who won the game, Arsenal who lost the game, or referee Paul Tierney who ruined the game on Thursday.

Regardless, Arsenal was overwhelmingly embarrassed by Spurs, 3-0, in a match that had so much potential and so much to play for, not only north London bragging rights, but a berth in the Champions League.

So much went wrong for Arsenal, and so much went right for Spurs. I’ve never really understood what constitutes a penalty, however, Cedric Soares’ foul on Son Heung-Min was very “soft” to say the least. In a match of this importance, how can a referee make this call, and where was VAR to double check Tierney’s original decision?

Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the game when asked about the outcome, “I’m so proud of my players. You can ask the referee to come out in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It is a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.”

And then there was Rob Holding. Now, I have supported Holding for most of his Arsenal career, however, his performance on Thursday was pathetic. He picks up a yellow card at 26 minutes, and then gets the red card 6 minutes later. He totally lost control and allowed Son Heung-Min to get into his head right from the opening kickoff. This was a horrible, horrible display by Rob Holding, and one that really hurt his club. Now, the loss can not be totally put on Rob’s shoulders, however, the timing of these big mistakes sure didn’t help the cause.

From that point on it was total doom and gloom for Arsenal. Arteta had no real answer at halftime, and then Son sealed the deal for Spurs right after halftime with his 21st league goal of the season.

Both the Gunners and the referee provided Harry Kane and his lot with a Thursday walk in the park.

So now what? Well, Arsenal face a test of will, courage and determination in the final 9 days of their season. By winning their final two matches, they will secure spot in the UCL next season, regardless of what Tottenham does.

As we have said before, Arsenal’s destiny is in their own hands. Win both matches, and you’re in.

However, Tottenham has the more favorable final two games. Spurs have Burnley at home, and then Norwich City away, while the Gunners travel to Newcastle United on Monday, and then face Everton in the season finale at Emirates Stadium. Frank Lampard’s club will come to London probably fighting for Premier League survival.

Can this very young Arsenal side overcome Thursday’s devastating defeat, regroup, and focus on the task at hand, or will their lack of experience cause them to panic and press to hard?

Arteta said this to Arsenal com after the Spurs match, “The disappointment shouldn’t take over take the great opportunity of the two games in front of us. We can’t wait to play on Monday, this is how I feel, and that’s all I want to say.”

The young Gunners did respond and win four straight, following a three game skid, so they have shown some grit and character before, however, this is the real pressure cooker. So much is riding on a Champions League spot for this club. It means more money for the club, a chance to recruit star players, and of course, the prestige of being back in the Champions League.

And, let’s not forget Arteta’s current lack of defenders, following Gabriel’s injury and Rob Holding’s red card suspension. More on that in the next post.

So, at the end of the day it’s time to put the Tottenham game in the rearview mirror and focus everything on the next match. I hope this squad can do that, and do that quickly because Monday is coming fast.

No cheers today.

Gunner1953