It was over a year ago that Arsene Wenger sold Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
Many people thought that he had ruined Arsenal's chances of the Premiership trophy, especially when he didn't replace Henry with another big name.
Many were saying that Tottenham could finish in the top four ahead of Arsenal. I even remember predicting that they would finish as low as seventh.
"The Professor" proved us all wrong and Arsenal got off to a flier—only falling away from the title race in the latter stages of the season.
This season, people were a lot more careful in predicting Arsenal's fortunes.
Emmanuel Adebayor had proved himself to be a decent enough replacement for Theirry Henry, and players like Cesc Fabregas were getting stronger every year.
However, it has not gone to plan for Arsenal so far.
In some games they have looked like their usual sublime self—such as the 4-0 win over Blackburn—but the very next week they look like a completely different team, losing to Hull.
They don't have the consistency to mount a title bid this season.
Is it too early to be saying that?
I don't think so. You can't win the title in the early stages, but you can lose it.
Arsenal has lost to Hull and Fulham so far, two teams predicted by many to be fighting for Premier League survival. Two losses in seven games is not good enough to win the title.
Two losses in 38 games and you would still struggle.
In Arsenal's "Invincible" season, they went the whole season unbeaten in the league. The following season Chelsea won the league after only losing one game.
That's how good you could have to be to win the league.
Recently, that trend has dipped slightly, with Man Utd winning the league the past two years while losing five times in each of them.
But with Arsenal already having lost two—and still yet to play Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United twice each, and tough derbys against Tottenham—their chances of going the rest of the season only losing one or two games is very slim.
In my view, their hopes of a successful Premier League campaign are over already.
They could still make a success of this season if they succeed in Europe, and maybe if they win the FA Cup, or even the League Cup. But they don't look like the strongest team in Europe and there will always be surprises in the cup competitions.
Am I being a bit too harsh? Perhaps.
After all, they are still fourth in the league, only four points off Liverpool and Chelsea, and they recently led the table.
But with such big matches to come, and such an inexperienced side, I can't help but feel that Arsenal's Premier League title hopes are over already.
7 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Arthur Dobrzanski 9 months ago
I think you jump the gun mate and you obviously support Chavs as per your previous post, I don't think you can predict something like this so early on time will tell so stick to more realistic topics perhaps you should write something on Totenham as they seem to have stomper romper of a start to the season top four? How Champions League spot is awaiting them ha ha ha get your fact straight and start writing clever interesting articles not this biased stuff!!!
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Barney 9 months ago
Errmm I support chavs?! I get the sense you think I'm a Tottenham fan? Well, keep guessing mate!
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Anthony Chong 9 months ago
I must say this was a good article to read. I completely agree with you. Arsenal's season is over already except they continue to win the remaining 31 games and hoping other teams to lose. But hoping for other teams to lose is no use because it need luck. In my opinion, arsenal lose is caused by our defence because it was terrible. No world class keeper, too many france (can cause racist because france player will group together and leasten the time to communicate with other country player), skinny defence. I blame all of this to A.W.
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chris 9 months ago
With all the big-boys to play each other yet.. and 31 games to be played there is plenty of points to be dropped by all teams. Even if we were 4 points off the top come April we would still be in with a shout. What a crap biassed article, over after 7 games.,.. hahaha ur a joke mate
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Shyam Parthasarathi 9 months ago
Not so sure Barney - I've said this in frustration, even written it - but when you think about it rationally, it's just too early too tell.. so many games to go, I think that you're being a bit hasty. We'll have to wait and see..
Certainly the season isn't over - because we still have to compete in the CL, Carling Cup and the F.A. Cup.. long, long way to go.
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Maire Ofeire 9 months ago
I can see where your coming from Barney but I still believe Arsenal can do well. We need to keep within 3/4 points of whoever is top maybe chasing as opposed to holding the top spot after Christmas might suit Arsenal young guns, we'll see.
P.S. have to laugh at the face of Le Boss in the picture, man he looks pissed!!
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Vincent Chow 8 months ago
remember we led the way for most of last season. the reason for the inconsistency this season is written in my recent article. but i trust wenger to sort it out.
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