>Last Sunday’s 3-0 hammering of Manchester United may have surprised even the most optimistic of Arsenal fans, but regardless of that what it has done is leave us sitting nicely in second place in the Premier League, with Manchester City only two points ahead.
The international break may have come at a rather annoying time, as you can be sure the players and manager would have been revved up ready to go at Watford this weekend, using the momentum built on last Sunday’s win – instead the Gunners have to wait until Saturday, October 18th, to get their chance to take down Watford and potentially go top.
The 3-0 win over United was courtesy of superb performances from Petr Cech in goal, to Theo Walcott up top – and Arsene Wenger said they would be ready to use the result to spearhead their future performances.
“From Petr Cech to Theo Walcott we only had superb performances. I have managed many strong teams and never had one that played 60 games at the same level. You have to accept that we are human beings.
“We are in it, we are two points off the league leaders, Manchester City, so I hope that result today will give us belief to fight for it.”
The big question looming on the lips of many Gunners fans is are they going to be the Premier League frontrunner at New Year? Naturally, bookmakers such as Coral.co.uk have Manchester City as the rather heavy favourites for the title – and after their 6-1 annihilation of Steve McClaren’s Newcastle United on Saturday, it’s easy to see why.
Coral see a big gap between the Gunners, who are their second favourites behind City, and the third favourites Manchester United. Arsenal are currently 9/4, whilst United despite being level on points in the league with us are 8/1. For those that are interested, Chelsea are 16/1 – ouch.
It’s Watford away next then, whilst City host Bournemouth, and you’d expect both teams to be picking up three points. The blue side of Manchester were however dealt with a blow on Thursday night, when five-goal hero from Saturday Sergio Aguero was taken off the pitch on a stretcher in an international match for Argentina, after what looks to be a hamstring injury.
Manchester United, who are on the same points as us despite their loss on Sunday, face the tricky test of travelling to an Everton side who have also started the season particularly well. It will certainly be an interesting couple of weeks, but you have to be happy with the position the Gunners are in at this stage of the season.