Arsenal – Working Well Under No-Pressure
What is it with Arsenal in recent years? Time and time again they find themselves cast aside in the battle for silverware and left for dead by teams like United, City, Chelsea and more recently Tottenham. But somehow they always seem to claw back into the top-4 and secure that all-important Champions League spot. Let’s have a look at recent years…
2009/2010
Another great season for Arsenal fans as although they finished 3rd to Chelsea and United respectively, they still had bragging rights over Spurs who had to settle for 4th spot and endure a grueling play-off in order to qualify for the Champions League tournament proper.
2010/2011
The Gunners had to settle for 4th spot during what was a very difficult campaign for them. Fans were comforted by the fact that although the usual suspects all finished above them come curtain-time, they still finished 6 points ahead of their rivals, banishing them to the doldrums of the Europa League.
2011/2012
The Gunners finished third, behind Man City and Man United who fought it out right up until the final whistle on the last day of the season. Arsenal managed to beat Tottenham by 1 point, earning a lucrative place in the Champions League.
2012-2013
Many had written Arsenal off as a contender for the coveted Champions League spot this season, and while I personally did have my doubts, I felt that their peril had been greatly exaggerated. What Arsenal have failed to do this season is defeat the United’s and the City’s of the league, but they have been rather solid against the teams who they are expected to beat. This may not seem so impressive, but it’s something that Arsenal have failed to do in past seasons, and it has given them a new dimension and a level of confidence and consistency that is envied by many other Premier League teams.
If Arsenal can hit the ground running next season and keep their main players fit, I think 16/1 is a very interesting price for the outright. You’re getting a third for the first 2 also, and I think Arsenal at least have a good chance of sneaking into the top 2 in 2014.
