Pep Guardiola’s warning may well be coming to pass after the events of this weekend. The Manchester City boss said via Metro, “The truth is, a team as strong as Arsenal has been in the last seasons, not just this season, so impeccable in so many, many things, that feeling that I had in the past when we have fought incredibly against Liverpool, I had the feeling they would not drop many points.
“And if they can take a lot of distance, it will be difficult to catch up with them, similar like Liverpool last season.”
A Stumble Then A Statement
Heading into the November international break, Arsenal had dropped two points against Sunderland, sparking debate. Some suggested that after a bright start, the Gunners were beginning to lose momentum and risk throwing away their fine lead.
Yet others argued the season would be defined by how Mikel Arteta’s side responded to that surprising 2-2 draw with the Premier League newcomers.
And respond they did. A resounding 4 to 1 win over Spurs provided the perfect answer to any doubts.
City Slip As Arsenal Surge
Fortuitously for Arsenal, their biggest title challengers, Manchester City, faltered. City were stunned at St James Park, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle.
That setback saw the gap between City and Arsenal stretch from four points to seven after the Gunners NLD win.
Arsenal mean business. Guardiola had hoped this weekend would allow City to close the gap on the league leaders. Instead, Arsenal sent out a statement.
With Leandro Trossard breaking the deadlock and Eberechi Eze hitting a hat trick, the Gunners dismantled Spurs and maintained their impressive start to the campaign.
This is arguably the strongest Arteta side yet, a team so complete it should be winning the league.
Widening the gap at the top of the table will be crucial, and Arsenal look motivated to do just that. After three seasons of playing bridesmaid, this feels like their time to be the bride, finally.
Optimistic Gooners?
Daniel O
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Just as the tide ebbs and flows, the league will too.
The last weekend’s results went brilliantly and no doubt we will have a poor result and the challengers will edge closer.
Pep was not wrong about Arsenal’s standing in recent years. I held the view that the injury crisis last season and lack of truly credible group of squad players was a key factor. Of all the years for that to happen when City faltered, it was then
My understanding is that the club recognised this and through the skill of Arteta and Berta an ambitious transfer window followed. Injury is still blighting the team but you wouldn’t notice and certainly not against Spurs. Of the 25 or so players in the squad, there isn’t an obvious weak link. While Slot is still trying to work out why his stellar signings are struggling, Mosquera, Hincapié have risen to the challenge
So, so true SueP.
Very well said
Don’t forget referee conspiracies Sue.
As Arteta said, the season is in early stages, we can only enjoy the good moments and take it a game at a time. Next is Bayern and then Chelsea! Tough week. The test against Bayern will show how far we have progressed as a team.
For me, while its nice to hear all these nice things being said about our team, some of the words being used I take with a pinch of salt to be honest.
Opposition fans and pundits alike are awash with their gushing over us at present. But lets not kid ourselves here their building us up, to shoot us down if we should falter.
And trust me if we do falter, they’ll show even more glee in that than they currently are with all their gushing praise we are currently receiving.
For me, Its a case of just the old adage of, one game and one Cup at a time and see where it takes us. 👍