Its not the end of the world, actually a blessing in disguise! by SOH
Now yes we are all pretty angry about what just happened to Arsenal at St Marys, against a struggling Southampton side, but what can we take from this game?
Firstly, we take this as a blip and possibly a few too many drinks on Christmas Day with their families as we are still in a great position in the league only 2 points off the leaders, Leicester, who lost as well this weekend to Liverpool. The Foxes next game is against the team we beat on Monday, possibly favourites for the title because of the depth and quality their squad, and 3rd placed and 3 points off the top – Manchester City. That will be a great match but a City win would be my suggestion and that levels them on points with Leicester, so again we have a 4th chance to go top if we can beat Bournemouth at home in a the next game going into 2016. Even City have had a few hammerings this season!
Secondly, even though this was hard to take even a 1-2 scoreline just for GD but a blessing in disguise after Wenger’s silly comments on having four world-class strikers at Arsenal and thinking we have the squad to pull this title run off.. and in no better timing could the transfer window be opening to add more firepower and give the team a huge boost with a few signings and fresh legs into this depleted team.
Southampton away just proved we are tired and don’t have the depth to cope with a long title run. With the amazing amount of injuries (and the length of them) actually shows we cant cope.
Lastly, point to all the teams in the league. No game is an easy game in the Premier League. It is so much closer with smaller teams now gradually catching up on the top 6, due to TV deals paid to all clubs according to league standings. Every team has a bit of quality somewhere in their ranks and its getting harder each season. Every team is battling for the highest place they can as it means more money and maybe European football. Just look at some of the results in the last 2 seasons, the only difference is Chelsea did what we cant do this season – and take advantage of chances to get clear at the top.
As I believe, as do many Arsenal fans, that we should be clear at the top of the League but we lack that mentality to take advantage of situations handed to us. Only ourselves to blame really.
Its not over yet – just half the season is over – so on to Bournemouth at Home and 3 points will be a huge step in the right direction and to get this defeat and blip out of our system. Theo starts up top in my opinion and Gabriel comes in for Per.
Wanyama must be bought on the 1st Jan, no questions, just slap a 20m bid down. He would be great competition for Coquelin and as cover for now, and will sign if given a chance. Then an attacker… if Mahrez is 20m+ plus then hell go for it. We could do with firepower and he is Premier League material already and can help us win this League. 40-50m spent to win the league, winning the league with its winnings alone will cover that! How handy will these two be especially going against Barcelona?
If we beat Bournemouth we could still be top going into 2016 and still in with a shout for this title.
Happy New Year to all you Gooners!!
Sean O’Hara