Monday, March 17, 2014

Arsenal Complete Rare Triple Over Tottenham

Arsenal has rarely been able to pull off the double against North London bitter rival Tottenham in recent years. This season they have now done one better: winning the home and away ties together with a big FA Cup win. On the cusp of the three games that will go a long way to deciding the title, Arsenal pulled out an essential 1-0 victory over Tottenham today, reaffirming their contention for the EPL title.

The Gunners took the lead less than two minutes after the whistle blew, with a counter where Thomas Rosicky and Ox combined in spectacular fashion. First Ox pushed a 50/50 ball in his own half out to a charging Rosick, who rushed down the right wing before returning the ball to Ox right outside the box. Chamberlain laid it off the Czech, who rifled the ball across goal past a diving Hugo Lloris. And with 88 minutes plus 4 minutes of stoppage time left, that was all the scoring for the day at a somber White Hart Lane.

After the goal and a few spurned chances, two coming from Ox in very dangerous positions, Arsenal settled into a defensive game where they looked more like a Pulis Stoke team. They lost the possession battle 59 to 41 percent, were outshot 17(2) to 7(3) and had less corner kicks. But the wonder duo of Koscielny and Mertesacker were back to their imperial form of earlier in the season and the Gunners got a necessary victory. With Chelsea’s loss, the title race is back on as all the teams in the top four are still playing one another again (except City and Chelsea). Three thoughts ...

1)  Midfield: with the current injury crisis, Arsenal have to be careful to ensure that they can continue to control the midfield. And for large chunks of the game today that was not the case. Without Ramsey, Ozil or Wilshere (and ignoring the loss of Walcott and the disappearing Diaby), I think it is imperative that Flamini play over Arteta in the biggest games -- as his presence and leadership will be key to keeping the ball and stopping counters. Arsenal were lucky to get the clean sheet today, but will need to perform better against the superior offensive prowess of City, Chelsea and even Everton.

2)  Defense: Koscielny and Mertesacker were excellent today, securing another clean sheet and the needed three points. Sagna played brilliantly as well, though he didn’t get up the line often. Gibbs, on the other hand, had a relatively average game and one wonders if Monreal should get the nod against Chelsea next weekend. Kos and Mert will have to be at their absolute best to stop a Chelsea attack that comes at you from multiple angle with multiple threats (particularly from the midfielders).


3)  Title Race: Liverpool had an impressive 3-0 victory over Man United today, ending any hopes that United will finish in the top four and providing more hope to the Anfield faithful that this could be their year. They still have Chelsea and City to play, both at home, and must maintain their form in their other 7 games – but they might be emerging as the prohibitive favorites. Arsenal also have their fate in their own hands, more or less, if they can beat Chelsea on the road next Saturday and then take care of both Swansea and City at home before visiting Everton. If they do pull out maximum points in those encounters, then finish off the season with winnable games against West Ham (H), Hull (A), Newcastle (H), West Brom (H) and Norwich (A) – the title is theirs. Easier said than done. The good news for the Gunners is both City and Chelsea still play Liverpool. Of course, City will be three points in fron if they win their three games in hand, but that assumes they also beat the Gunners and later Liverpool – both on the road. And Chelsea looks a little vulnerable, even as they were on a great run until the surprising loss to Aston Villa Saturday. In any case, it should be the best finish to a season in a while – or at least since City won with two goals in stoppage time two years ago!! 

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