Can Arsenal really take over Man United's top spot?
Posted by Martin in Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United | 24 January 2007
If you're a gunners fan then you can't have failed to have notice the recent comments made by both Fabregas and Henry on our chances of making it to the top of the league and breaking down United's 12 point lead.
Looking at Cesc's comments I can understand where he's coming from. We've beaten Tottenham, Liverpool, Man United and drawn with Chelsea and so on that basis deserve to be treading on United's toes. Yet we’re so far off the mark.
The biggest downer for the team being the loss against Sheffield United and sounds like the boss did his job and kicked the team into action.
However can we really make it to the top? This is something I've been mulling over the past few days.
If we take a look at the teams in the top half of the division that we've got to play :
Everton away on the 18th March
Liverpool away on the 31st March
Bolton at home on the 14th of April
Spurs away on the 21st of April
Chelsea home on the 15th May
Then our main stumbling block on past experience this season are Bolton. We've a further 9 teams to play and in reality we should walk them. But as Henry also pointed out in the week, consistency is key and now with the loss of Van Persie I think it's a huge ask. Why is it we beat the “Top” teams, but fail at winning against the minnows?
If we look at who in the top half of the table United still have to play :
Spurs away on the 4th Feb
Liverpool away on the 3rd March
Bolton home on the 17th March
Chelsea away on the 14th April
Everton away on the 28th April
Then you'd have to say that on past experience their main hurdle has to be Chelsea. Yes they've failed to beat us this season but otherwise they've been pretty convincing and consistent, with the odd draw here or there. Following the defeat at the weekend are United going to spiral into a series of draws with the occasional loss or are they going to put it behind them and perform as they have been? Will they really drop their 12 point lead? Questions, questions!
Whilst it's technically possible for us to catch United up, I think it all hangs on how they perform in their next few matches. Watford first then Spurs and then Charlton. If they lose against Watford (last time the met they won 2-1) then their mental attitude could be seriously dented and Spurs will be a serious challenge!
So after my ponderings my conclusion is as before. We'll finish in the top 3, definitely above Liverpool and rightly so, and with Chelsea stuttering at present, I think we're in shouting distance of the number 2 spot. Let’s hope so!
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