Good News for Arsenal: The Big Four Games Hardly Matter

Sometimes one just has to sit back and laugh at the roller coaster that comes along with Premier League predictions.

The latest headlines read something similar to, “Arsenal, tons of talent, but not enough for the Premier League title” or “Wenger: getting paid to win trophies, not keep faith.”

On Sunday, we witnessed Manchester United, for the second time this season and third times in as many games, waltz their way over a flat and uninspired Arsenal side.

This game, for most, marks the end of Arsenal’s season and reiterates Arsenal’s breathtaking football doesn’t mean jack if they can’t win.

But for a moment, let us rewind to Nov. 29, 2009, when Chelsea came to the Emirates, dismantled Arsenal, and went home with a 3-0 victory and three points. Not to mention they left Arsenal confused, beaten, and 11 points behind them.

Now when Arsenal lost 3-0 that day to Chelsea, some headlines read: “Chelsea crushed the life out of Arsenal” or “Richard Williams: Arsenal's title hopes are over .”

Now, fast-forward to Jan. 20, 2010, when Arsenal fell 2-0 behind to Bolton but showed enough character and strength to win 4-2. Not only did it underline growth in this vastly young team, it also sent them atop the Premier League table on goal differential—a feat that in December no one would have bet on.

You may think to yourself, it was Bolton; they are battling relegation. However, factor in the physical nature of Bolton (an Arsenal weakness), the problems Bolton have always caused Arsenal, and the honeymoon effect of Owen Coyle.

The following day, headlines read: "Gunners fire back to go top," "Do Arsenal Now Boast the Best Midfield in the League?", and "Arsenal 'Smash and Grab' Their Way to Top of the Pile."

All question marks about Arsenal's title ambitions were answered. I can remember Alex Song being compared to Michael Essien and Michael Carrick, and Cesc Fabregas being hailed as the best midfielder in the Premier League and the answer to Arsenal's call. I recall commentators reaping in the maturity and leadership of Fabregas.

Fast-forward to now: People doubt Fabregas' ability to lead and his talent when it matters most. Headlines read: "The Reason Why Arsenal are NOT Genuine Title Contenders," "Points to Ponder: Seven Reasons Why Manchester United Humiliated Arsenal," and "Gunners Lack Character to be Champions."

All of this a week and a half after Arsenal stormed back from 2-0 down to go atop the table and sportswriters hailed their newfound ambitions.

So the question now is, "Can Arsenal Win the Title?" Mathematically, yes. That is all that matters in the long run. I will agree, right now Arsenal do not have what it takes to compete with Chelsea, but how critical are the big four games?

Last season, United had the worst record of all big four clubs: three losses, two draws and a win. Liverpool had the best record, with four wins and two draws. Yet who won the Premier League?

Arsenal, after they play Liverpool on Feb. 10, will have played all their big four games. Chelsea and United, though, will still have to play each other, Liverpool, plus Villa, Spurs, and City, not to mention both be involved in the Champions League.

I am not saying Arsenal have what it takes to beat the big four, but the Premier League isn’t won in six games; it's won in 38. United, of all teams, knows that the trips to Bolton, Hull, and Blackburn, are just important, if not more important, than the travels to Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

Last night, Chelsea drew to Hull City. It was results like that that allowed Arsenal to sneak back up the table, because when Chelsea was drawing to Birmingham and losing to Wigan Athletic, Arsenal was winning.

I guess my point is don't write off a team just from a couple of games, and be careful about making bold statements such as "Arsenal's title hopes over," because they were over in August and they were over in November, but in January sat on top of the table.

I am excited to read the headlines on Monday if Arsenal go to Chelsea and get a result; might be something like: “Arsenal undo Champions and are favorites to win title.”

Ha 'til next time...