Arsenal have been sitting on top of the Premier League table quite a few times in recent years, but unfortunately for us it has not been the Gunners in top spot when it really counts, at the end of the season. Just a couple of years ago we had that painful stat that Arsenal spent more time at the top than all of our rivals combined but we did not claim the title.
Hopefully this season will be different, and once on top the Gunners will continue to show the maturity and resilience that has so far been a lot more prevalent in our performances and approach. First of all though, Arsenal need to reach the summit of the table, and I think that this weekend could be when it happens.
Because of the fact that Arsenal and Man City are tied at the top on points with just a single point in goal difference keeping us in second, combined with the fixture list that sees us take on Middlesborough on Saturday and City facing Southampton on Sunday, any kind of win for us over the league’s 17th placed side would be enough to see us top the table on Saturday night, but to still be there next week means we would have to better Man City’s result, in terms of goals if not points.
I think we will though, and not just because our current form suggests a good win over Boro, but because City are were already struggling a little before their trip to Barcelona in the Champions League this week. That game ended in a 4-0 thumping by Guardiola’s former side that cannot have helped their confidence and morale.
I would not be surprised to see them drop more points against the Saints but if not I think it will be close and that gives Arsenal the chance to hit the front. If it happens, will the Gunners be able to stay there this time?
Bob.