Arsenal's Championship Chances? One in a Billion

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Following last Saturday evening’s impressive win at St. James’ Park, Arsène Wenger came out with his usual “spirit”, “desire” and “mental strength” rhetoric for Match of the Day’s Jonathan Pearce in his post-match interview.

What the BBC edited out, and rightly so, was Wenger’s optimistic background chat regarding our so-called title chances.

“I still have hope because I am a bit crazy, even if it is a one in billion chance.”

A bit crazy. Right. As the manager delivered possibly one the early candidates for understatement of the year, football joke of the season etc, he did in fairness admit to his “craziness”, whilst pointing out that realistically we stand no chance.

However, what Wenger said has been a calculated ploy to highlight a crucially important fact missed by many, and only now starting to get picked up, much to our own misfortune as the climax of the season kicks in—we are the form team in the Premier League, and, dare I say it, Europe!

With currently the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, and, in fact, with the longest unbeaten run out of the last eight contestants of the Champions League, what Wenger pinpointed was our current consistency being a key factor in future success, whilst also pointing out that we are in championship-winning form (despite the zillion 0-0s in that run).

This really does beg the question that I have painstakingly repeated many a time, why show this consistency now, when it is way too late?

I’m sorry, and I don’t like treading murky waters, but Wenger’s words, combined with Manchester United’s oh-so uncharacteristic implosion and Chelsea’s hiccup has filled me with such a deep sense of regret and anger that you cannot help but think that we have, in retrospect, thrown away a fantastic opportunity to climb back to the summit of English football.

Wenger had previously pointed out that no one team was “outstanding” in the division this season, hence retaining his strong belief in our title aspirations back in January. And this was back when, United were slaying all before them, scooping the trophies on offer and boasting a thirteen-match streak without even conceding, let alone losing.

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