Okay so Arsenal losing to Everton was definitely not in the script, especially going on the recent form of the two respective teams, but I think we have to take a step back from the disappointment of a fan and look at it objectively. The Toffees played very well and looked like they were back to the team that took 13 points from the first 15.
Ronald Koeman is a very good manager and Goodison Park will be a hard place for anyone to go, as proven by their unbeaten record there so far this season. The Gunners also played fairly well and on another day would have won and would have beaten most others so that is one reason for me to say that we are still right in there as one of the favourites for the title.
The fact that we have already shown great character and resilience twice, after the poor start and then after the usual November hiccup, to suggest that this loss will not be the start of a downward spiral. I don’t think that our rivals have proved the same, with Man City and Liverpool both seemingly affected by a bad result.
The real key is Chelsea though, as the pace setters are looking very strong, but every team will have a bad run and we have yet to see how they react. I really believe that their current form will suffer a dip and I also think that Arsenal will be close to them when it happens.
Do you guys agree that this defeat should not unduly impact our position as title contenders?
Bob.