Winning or Losing against Everton won’t be the end of the world for Arsenal by SE
Arsenal are travelling to Goodison Park today, and without a shadow of a doubt it is one of the marquee clashes of the season. Arsenal would want to continue what has been a decent start to the season, and build momentum with each and every passing weekend. Their side looks well balanced – and the returning German trio of Mertesacker, Ozil and Podolski – will reinforce the Gunners that much more.
This clash against Everton will also present Wenger, with another chance to prove his doubters wrong. The Frenchman wasn’t at his vintage best in these big games last season, and that cost Arsenal dearly, after leading the Premier League table for 128 days over the course of the season.
However, as much as it is important for Arsenal to take maximum possible points from Goodison Park this evening, it would not be the end of the world for the North Londoners if they win or lose against Everton. A match of this magnitude in the Premier League, coming so early on in the season, doesn’t really hurt a side by much. Yes, you want to win every game you are part of, as you don’t step out on to the pitch thinking of anything other than three points and a win; each game has its own ‘consequence’ – but over a 38-game season – one’s title ambitions won’t face obituary by the result of this clash between Everton and Arsenal.
Arsenal can also use this as a piece of motivation, when they take to Goodison Park this evening and play without fear. Pressure in big games is no more than the weight you exert on your own shoulders; sometimes when you have nothing to lose and play your own game, 8/10 times you do end up on the right side of the coin.
Summary
‘Play without fear and inhibition’ would be the message to my players, if I was Wenger. This is only the second game of the season, and neither team’s season ambitions will be affected by what happens today.
Suhith