Arsenal Comeback in Henry EPL Finale

After the disaster that was the beginning of this year, the thought that this team had restored the meddle that once saw them win trophies and complete the first and only undefeated season in EPL history started to wane toward dust. But then Thierry Henry pulled off a miracle late winner against Leeds in the FA Cup and an improbable comeback from 2-0 down against Aston Villa to win 3-2 (with the club actually getting two penalty calls in one game) cemented the sense that maybe there is some belief in this club. That victory came a week after the substitution debacle against Man U. that arguably cost us at least two points and was sandwiched by a very disappointing 0-0 draw at Bolton. So what next for the Gunners? A massacre of Blackburn with another Henry gem to make the final score 7-1 (eliminating most of the goal differential problem from earlier in the season). And then we went to the stadium of lights needing the three points.

We dominated possession from the start, but had trouble getting the ball to Van Persie and were still scoreless when a freak injury to Mertesacker left Sunderland winger James McLean one-on-one with Sczcesny and he cooly slotted past him for a 1-0 lead on 70'. Like many Gunners fans, I looked on realizing this looked a lot like the second half collapses that have become so endemic at the club the last six years. And then, in a surprise move, Ramsey comes on to substitute for Mertesacker (with a realignment at the back, obviously) and puts in his first EPL goal since October to tie it up (after a lucky carom off of a Sunderland defender). Then in stoppage time, the little Russian who doesn't did, sending a perfect cross to the magical feet of Henry, who put the ball in the net for a stirring 2-1 victory, that based on the other results of the weekend, but us back into the Champions League spot. It was not a virtuoso performance, but was certainly a compelling final game for Henry and might have saved our season from complete disaster. 

Now we turn to the toughest part of the season, that will probably define the short, and maybe long term, future of the club. After the first leg of the Champions League against Milan on Wednesday, we return to the Stadium of Lights for a fifth round tie against a Sunderland team that will be looking for revenge. A victory in that match could set us up for our most realistic chance at silverware since last year's Carling Cup nightmare and one hopes Wenger takes the game seriously, though I worry he won't. Then three EPL games that could solidify our fourth place finish, or could push us outside the top four looking up once again. The first is a Emirates showdown with rival Tottenham, who look in top form after dispatching resurgent Newcastle with ease. Then we go to Liverpool where it is hard to know what you will get against the mercurial side that doesn't let in many goals but scores just as few. And then we have a must win against Newcastle at home (followed by a trip to Everton, which is never an easy endeavor). After that battle against Newcastle with the Champs League second tie right before, we should have a good sense of where the season is headed. FA Cup silverware, a trip to the quarters and solidifying the top four spot could do a lot to convince Van Persie to stay with the side. Otherwise we might see yet another of our top players push toward the exit. Go Gunners!