A quick look at the Premier League table will show you that Arsenal, despite being in a good position to finish in the Champions League places as usual, are far from secure. It is turning out to be the most hotly contested top four fight ever, with Man City, Liverpool, Man United, Southampton and the spuds all in a `rat race´ as Louis van Gaal called it.
Another thing the table suggests to me is that goal difference could turn out to be crucial as the rival clubs are so close. At the moment Man City have the best with 31, Arsenal are next with 26, then United with 24 and the Saints with 19. Liverpool are well back with 19 and the Spuds have scored just four more than they conceded.
Things can quickly change though and Arsenal may need a better goal difference than City if we are to finish second, so tomorrow´s game at Newcastle, who are in poor form and look like having to use academy players to fill their bench because of an injury and suspension crisis, is a great opportunity for the Gunners to add a few more to our goals tally.
And having this in their minds should also help to dispel any complacency they feel ahead of the match and make sure we start strong and do not coast through the game. Perhaps Wenger should offer an extra scoring bonus because we don´t just need to win but to win well. Go and fill your boots lads!