Will They/Won't They? Title Drama In Yet More Twists

I wrote on Sunday that the run-in for the Premier League was about to get extremely close and exciting, and that it was unfortunate for Arsenal fans that their team wasn't going to be a part of it.

Err...? 

Arsenal's nervy victory over Liverpool, coupled with Chelsea's loss to Everton and Manchester United's draw with Aston Villa has meant The Gunners have given themselves a fighting chance of doing the improbable. 

When Arsenal lost to Chelsea back in December, they followed that set-back up with a 10 match unbeaten run. 

For Arsenal to turn that fighting chance into a full blown fight, they are going to have to replicate that.  Then better it.  Then hope for a miracle.   

After last night’s Liverpool fixture, there are 12 matches remaining this season.  At minium, they will need to win 10 of them, and not lose in the other two. 

None of the fixtures are against the other 'Big-Four' teams, and only Manchester City and Tottenham in the current top six.

Can they do it?

The eternal optimist and Arsenal fan in me wants to say that, 'yes, yes they can.'  But the realist in me will concede that a snowball probably has more chance in hell. 

Take a closer look at the fixture list and you will see the cause of my pessimism.

Yes, Arsenal no longer has to play any of their nearest rivals, but in recent seasons the league winner has rarely been the team that wins the mini 'big-four' league. 

Yes, Chelsea still has to visit Old Trafford and Anfield, not to mention entertain Aston Villa and Manchester City.

However, although Arsenal seem relatively comfortable against the smaller teams at home, and would expect to beat them, they have got a few challenging visits ahead of them.

Visits where it wouldn't be completely inconceivable of Arsenal dropping further points.

Stoke. 

Hull. 

Birmingham.  

Wigan. 

Blackburn. 

Four of those teams are precariously placed near the bottom of the table and will be working to their bare bones to get a positive result and try and preserve their Premier League status for another season.

The other- Birmingham- are riding high and have an excellent home defensive record.  A record on a par with that of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Suddenly, going through to the end of the season unbeaten doesn't look as straight-forward as originally imagined.

Of course, I truly hope that Arsenal can prove me wrong and do go on to win the league. 

They would be a popular champion. 

Most fans in England would admit that if they had to part with their hard earned cash to go and watch a team other then their own, they would probably go and watch Arsenal. 

On their day, they play the most attacking, most attractive football in England, and it would be a victory for pure football.  A champion who didn't rely on a cheque book and a wealth of expensive talent.

People love an underdog.  Especially one who is being constantly written off.

Only time will tell if they do.  1080 minutes to be exact.

One things for sure, though.  In this season of all seasons, it will be an exciting ride to the end.  Whatever happens. 

A ride, that I am happy to say, Arsenal fans are once again a part of.