By Oriade Ayomide
As the major leagues around Europe enters the crucial stage where the mediocre are separated from the genuine contenders, the shadows of the past nine seasons are beginning to haunt the red side of North London. Having started the season in blistering form and led the table for most of the season, results of Arsenal’s lackluster performances in recent weeks are beginning to prove their critics right.
As the fixtures run fast and thick, the gunners have only managed four points out of possible twelve in the EPL in-between which they got to the Quarter Final of the FA Cup courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Liverpool; only to be beaten 2-0 at home by Bayern three days later in the Champions league.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Stoke City could be severely costly to Arsenal’s title charge as it happens to be the easiest of their fixture in March. The remaining for the month include FA cup tie at home to Everton, a visit to Bayern Munich in the Champions league, an EPL trip to their arch North London rival Tottenham , followed by a trip to Chelsea, ending with a clash with Manchester City at the Emirates.
Manchester City are currently placed fourth on the EPL log with two games at hand. Arsenal’s defeat at Stoke coupled with Liverpool’s 3-0 victory at Southampton relegates the gunners to third on the log; four points behind Chelsea with ten matches to go.
POSER: Given the present scenario and Arsenal’s antecedents in the last nine seasons, where do you think Arsenal will finish this season?
Top of the league? Second? Third or Fourth?
Have your say.
