Arsenal Gunning for the Title: 25 Reasons They Can Win the Premier League
Before this slideshow even begins, fans and critics from the world of football should recap the preseason statements, critics' quotes, and the opposition's opinion on the possibility of Arsenal winning the EPL.
Before the season, the Gunners were fourth favorites, behind Chelsea, Manchester United, and even behind Manchester City. Needless to say, the word "believers" was nonexistent in the media in regards to the red and white army and their title chances.
Fast forward almost six months. You have Chelsea in fourth place, Manchester City below Arsenal in the table, despite playing a game more, and Manchester United with all the luck in the world on their side, have thus far made it without a single loss.
But to get more specific, Arsenal have already played home and away against the Blues, were unlucky to lose by two goals at the Bridge despite dominating play, but thrashed Chelsea in the return leg, have beaten Man City by three goals to nil at their own backyard, then played against them only to find them parking the bus at the Emirates Stadium (and surviving three balls that hit the post), and lost to Man U at Old Trafford due to a one off goal from Park Ji Sung (and almost conceded a second from yet another cheat penalty awarded to Man U at Old Trafford).
In the world of football, the last person to shut his mouth is a critic, especially when they've been proved wrong, instead they just wait until the criticized team and manager make a single mistake and take advantage of it.
The reason these words ring true, despite what the entire nation said about the Gunners' chances, is because they are currently second in the table with a difference of two points (and a game in hand for the Red Devils) making it a potential gap of five points between them and the current leaders, but the season can change in a matter of seconds, and Arsenal have some of the worst fixtures behind them, while the other fixtures are mostly at the Emirates. Things aren't as bad as the media claimed, or even thought for that matter.
With Arsenal exceeding people's expectations (most notably a simple minded Spaniard who claimed the Gunners would be out of the title race before Christmas), here are 25 reasons why Arsenal can become champions of England come May.
25. Wenger's Hunger to Win Using The Virtuous Path.
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In a sport where every team pays mad money for players, which is funded by the owners, where every club that spends heavily faces imminent debt crisis, and in a time where some players cost more than an entire club one man remains persistent, stubborn, and resolute.
Arsene Wenger is known to be an economic genius, and not once has he changed his stance despite all shortsighted critics claim. Wenger's sagaciousness was his ally, when every one around him, including the club's own fans, where an enemy.
Arsenal are currently the healthiest team financially among the big four, while Man U, Cheslea and Liverpool are sinking in debts, Arsenal have been steadily paying off theirs, and to add insult to injury, have a stadium to boot.
Arsenal might have spent the past five years with no trophies, but trophies do not guarantee long term stability, as many teams will attest. Besides, there was once a team called Leeds.
Alex Ferguson has built his legacy with Man U, but it was at the expense of the club itself, the Red Devils are so buried in debts that even if new owners came, there's no way they'll pay over half a billion of debts from day one. As for the Arabs who own City, it's safe to say the moment things go bad for the Citizens, the Arabs and their hypocrisy will leave the club, assuming they can find a buyer (and assuming their fortune actually declines).
Arsene Wenger however, has a stable team, and a stable club, something the fans have taken for granted at times, and his players are almost ready to show the world that they have what it takes to beat the odds, and not for the first time too.
24. Rosicky's Contributions
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While Chelsea have somehow been able to satisfy the needs of their big-name players, even the ones who never leave the bench, Arsenal have struggled in that department greatly.
While a player can play only two or three games a season at Chelsea and Man U, and still remain loyal to the club, whenever a player goes down the pecking order with the Gunners, he leaves shortly after.
Whether they were crucial first-team players that fell out of favor with Wenger, or underachievers such as Senderos and Silvestre, they would leave the team once they're no longer starting a game.
Enter Tomas Rosicky. Despite sometimes being benched in favor of Fabregas, Wilshere, and even the inconsistent Arshavin, Rosicky never complained, despite at many occasions being better than the Russian captain, and even Fabregas himself at season's start.
Rosicky has already played a good number of games this season, and has helped Arsenal greatly thus far. He might not score goals at the moment, but his vision is crucial for the team, not to mention he still has a lot to offer in upcoming games.
The Czech captain's contributions are very much needed, and a loyal player can make a world of difference when called upon.
23. Possibility Of Signing a Defender
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With just a few days left in the transfer window, Gooners will hope that Wenger abides by his usual tradition and buys a defender in the final day or so of the transfer window.
Wenger was able to buy Arsenal's most expensive player in the final five minutes of the January 2009 transfer window. Fans will hope that the Frenchman does not disappoint this time around, especially when Arsenal are found wanting at the back at times.
With Vermaelen still out, a new defender may very well be the difference maker when times get rough in the games ahead. Wenger would be wise to use extreme caution in this matter, for it may very well decide Arsenal's season.
22. The Carling Cup
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Now it might be considered the "Mickey Mouse Cup", but the Carling Cup might be worth more than many people expect.
For starters, Arsenal would have ended their five-year trophy drought, meaning that no sportswriter or critic can state that Arsenal have gone six years without a trophy, because they actually didn't, all thanks to a small piece of silver.
Also, should Arsenal lose, it might actually affect them negatively in all the other contests. The thought of failing to win a cup that has absolutely no threatening teams might cause morale to sink low, Arsenal would be wise to not take this opportunity for granted.
Every great story begins somewhere. For the Gunners, it might very well begin with the Mickey Mouse Cup.
21. Arshavin, The Inconsistent Genius
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He might be an on-again, off-again type of player, but the Russian magician is an absolute must have. Even an out of form Arshavin can work wonders. Aston Villa can attest to that after being on the receiving end of an Arshavin beating at Villa Park, the end result was an 4-2 Arsenal win.
Arshavin might at times be a ghost, but Wenger needs to know when and how to utilize the Russian, especially when he can be the difference maker.
Nearing 30, Arshavin and Rosicky are crucial members of Arsenal. They are experienced players the youngsters can look up to and keeping them should be one of Arsene Wenger's top priorities.
20. Szczesny's Breakthrough
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He might have one of the worst names for a football player in recent memory, but Szczesny has been a revelation for the Gunners.
Making his Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the young Pole was able to shut down Rooney with ease, and has been terrific fulfilling his goalkeeping duties.
Even if the Arsenal first choice gets injured, fans can rest assured that they have a beast to defend the goalkeeping post, should he be called upon.
19. Squad's Ability to Get Things Done
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In past seasons, there was always something missing. The Gunners didn't quite have enough oomph in their punches. Now, Arsenal are just a few players short from having one of the most versatile squads in Europe.
A testament to Arsenal's strength is not only the fact that they were able to dismantle Chelsea and Manchester City, but also to have Manchester City park the bus against them at the Emirates. A title contender parking the bus against the Gunners is proof enough of the massive potential Arsenal possess, all Wenger has to do is to guide them to the silverware they've so much longed for.
And with RVP, Nasri and Fabregas all on form and scoring for fun, trophies might very well come soon enough.
18. Fabregas Finally Regaining Focus
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Cesc Fabregas was pursued by Barcelona all summer, and the result was a player who wasn't fully focused and committed to the cause.
While Fabregas' heart might still be set on departing, at the moment the Arsenal captain has regained full focus and solely thinking about Arsenal and their title ambitions, and that has led him to help the Gunners through goals and assists.
Since regaining full fitness, Fabregas has been crucial to Arsenal. His contributions are greatly needed if Arsenal are to win the EPL title.
17. Chelsea and Man City Are Out Of The Way
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While Manchester City and Chelsea (to an extent) are still in the title hunt, Arsenal have been able to finish their encounters with them in the EPL. This means that while Manchester United and Chelsea face each other twice and still face Man City, the Gunners have already played against them and can focus on collecting points from the other teams.
The title challengers dropping points against each other can only mean good things. As long as Arsenal keep winning their own games, everything will work out in the end.
16. The Trip To Wembley
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When you play at the Mecca of football, clearly you're making a huge leap in the right direction. The Gunners are going to play at the stadium many consider the most important in football history.
The Gunners playing at Wembley only proves that they have what it takes to reach finals. The pitch might be real bad, according to players: since the new Wembley was opened, there has been criticism regarding the pitch, but it takes nothing from the history of the great venue (although it would be lovely to see the pitch get an extreme makeover).
Winning at Wembley can give the Arsenal a great boost in morale, and can lead them to greater objectives in the near future.
15. The Imminent Return Of Thomas Vermaelen
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It's hard to believe that Arsenal made it this far without a perfect defensive partnership, but they are still in the thick of things.
Now, with the possibility that Vermaelen will be back within six weeks, fans can hope that his impact on the team will be similar to that of RVP, and his contributions can only make the Gunners take that extra step needed to get things done.
Voted as the best EPL defender by many last season, along with signing of the season, Vermaelen has been a revelation with the red and white army, and his abilities are crucial for the Gunners.
Having the ability to lead the backline with major confidence, the ability to defend with relative ease, and even having the technique and the ability to score brilliant goals better than many attackers, Vermaelen can still play a major role in Arsenal's season. Should he be able to play against Barcelona, his contributions might very well help Arsenal shock the world of football.
14. Avoiding A Shocking Defeat Against Leeds
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Now it might not be noteworthy on paper, but the game against Leeds saw the Gunners near the end at the very beginning of the FA Cup.
Leeds scored from a penalty, and Arsenal were behind at the Emirates Stadium. However, a last-minute penalty saw them force a replay and avoid the shocking defeat Manchester United suffered at the hands of Leeds last year.
Also, Wenger himself stated that Arsenal have learned a very valuable lesson against Leeds and Ipwwich Town, and that Arsenal must be focused 100 percent if they are to maintain the hunt for trophies on all fronts this season.
In the end, a game like the Gunners played against Leeds might be more than just a game of 90 minutes, it could very well decide the level of confidence Arsenal play with all season, a game that keeps the momentum going in their favor. If that doesn't sound like an important game, then nothing does.
13. Arsenal Aren't Short on Attackers Or Midfield Players
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While the Gunners might be found wanting at the back, the frontline is a sight for sore eyes.
Ever since the return of Robin Van Persie, the Gunners have been on fire in the attacking department. Having RVP, Bendtner and Chamakh up front with all three having impressive seasons, Arsenal can enter games knowing fully well that they have what it takes to score.
But it doesn't stop there, the midfield is even more impressive, arguably boasting the most diverse and talented squad of midfielders in the Premier League. Arsenal have the likes of Fabregas, Song, Arshavin, Rosicky, Nasri, Wilshere, not to mention Diaby and Denilson also participating when called upon.
The Gunners are in no way short of firepower and have a near-perfect squad offensively. Maybe with a new defender, Arsenal indeed might go the extra mile and make the difference this season.
12. Walcott's Evolution
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"He doesn't seem to have a footballing brain" - some Arsenal-hating critic.
A while back, critics and football personalities made it a hobby to criticize young Theo. Little did they know that they would only be making themselves look like fools shortly after.
A critic and former Tottenham manager whose name we will not mention (Chris Waddle), even went as far as to state that Theo Walcott doesn't have a footballing brain. The following game Walcott demonstrated how skillful he really was against Burnley, while a while later he inspired Arsenal to make a miraculous comeback against Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium. But very few critics gave Walcott the credit he was due.
This season, however, Walcott made it abundantly clear he couldn't care less what critics think. England's winger is brimming with confidence, even scoring his first hat-trick for Arsenal.
Not only that, but Walcott is considered the sole reason why Robin Van Persie completed his hat-trick against Wigan, especially after RVP somehow missed a penalty, a rarity for the Dutchman.
In the third goal against Wigan, Walcott knew exactly what he was doing. He received the pass, and despite being in a position that could've let him score with ease, Walcott received the ball and held it for RVP, blocking two physical Wigan defenders in the process.
Walcott just kept blocking them and gave the Dutchman all the time he needed to complete his first Arsenal hat-trick. Truly the definition of a team player.
Walcott has thus far gave hell to every fullback he has faced in the EPL and added goals to his game. Who lacks a brain now, critic?
11. Unexpected Goal Scorers
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If there's one thing to worry a team, it's that their opposition can score throigh almost any player on the pitch.
Even Sagna and Koscielny have scored more than once this campaign, and when a team fields players like Vermaelen, Fabregas and Nasri, it's fair to say that there's more to worry about than just the strikers.
Last season, not only did Vermaelen score considerably more than the rest of the defenders in the Premier League (or any other league for that matter), but he also scored a brace, something that is so very rare these days. He even scored in Europe, while Denilson and Diaby even chipped in with a few goals of their own.
This season is no different. Arsenal can score goals through anyone and at any time when they play their football. Even the defenders have given Arsenal crucial points, as has been witnessed by Sagna and Song. The Cameroonian, in particular, seems to have added a completely new dimension to his game. He has thus far scored with both his feet and even a header or two, making him one of the most versatile players in Europe.
Arsenal were even able to fight for the EPL last season without their main striker as the on-form RVP was out injured for five months.
With players like these, it's obvious that Arsenal can cause a lot of damage to their opponents, even if they don't have their star striker up and ready.
10. More Than One Quality Keeper
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It's amazing how absolutely terrified Gooners everywhere were when Arsenal started the season with Almunia in goal. While the Spaniard did indeed make a few expected blunders, he later got injured, and Gooners were even more terrified to see Fabianski replace him.
Fabianski was often the joke of the world of football, all Arsenal fans begged Wenger to get rid of him. However, the Frenchman's resolute faith was soon rewarded when Fabianski changed his fortunes and became one of the most impressive players in Arsenal's squad during the course of the campaign. The Pole was a revelation throughout, earning the respect of all the fans who doubted his abilities and dubbed him "Flappyhandski".
But that wasn't all, the best was yet to come for the Gunners.
Before the Man United game, Fabianski was injured, and through a twist of fate, Arsenal had a surprise inclusion of yet another Pole, one who impressed madly in the past few games.
Szczesny made his season debut at Old Trafford, and was victim to hostile chants from the Man U fans, but was calm as can be. Despite conceding a one-off goal, the young Pole was able to shut down Rooney with relative ease, and has impressed greatly since that game.
While Wenger giving Szczesny a chance might leave a bad taste in Vito Mannone's mouth, especially when the Italian deserved his chance last season, it's nevertheless a good thing that Wenger took a gamble with Szczesny. It's doubtful all three keepers will remain content, one is expected to leave shortly.
For the first time in what seems like an eternity, Arsenal have quality keepers amongst their ranks, and it's a known fact that keepers win you games.
It has been stated that a good keeper gives you 12 points or so a season. The young Polish keepers might very well do that for Arsenal this season.
9. Key Fixtures Are at The Emirates
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The most important games for Arsenal in the coming months are all being played at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners must use this to their full advantage, it is so very rare when Arsenal play against Man United in the second half of the season at the Emirates (rarely happened at Highbury as well).
This season, however, Arsenal play against Liverpool, Sunderland, Man United and Tottenham at the Emirates, four games that are absolutely crucial in deciding who will emerge as the Premier League champion come May.
Arsenal might be behind Man U by two points, and the Red Devils might still have a game in hand. But these upcoming fixtures might very well upset the balance and turn the tides in Arsenal's favor, should the Gunners take advantage of the situation wisely.
8. Barcelona Fixture Might Be a Blessing in Disguise
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Arsenal face Barcelona in the Champions League, and that is as tough as the games can get for the Gunners.
However, should the Gunners lose, they can focus solely on the EPL. Should they win, they'll have gained a massive boost from beating what is currently considered as the strongest team in Europe.
It all depends on how Wenger plays his cards. But at the moment, Barcelona should fear the Gunners as well. Only a fool would consider Barcelona's guaranteed to advance, and only a bigger fool would state that Arsenal's chances are slim to none.
Barcelona have the bigger advantage, but the Gunners have what it takes to shock the Catalans. Last year the Catalans were able to beat a half-missing Arsenal squad 4-1. It's safe to say that a full Arsenal squad would've easily changed the scoreline. RVP, Fabregas, and many other first team members would have fancied to play at the Nou Camp. A quality defender would surely enhance Arsenal's chances as well.
No matter the outcome for Arsenal, Barcelona might not be too bad after all.
7. The Genius That Is Nasri
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If there's one player that has been amazing this season, it's none other than Samir Nasri. The Frenchman has scored some of the most beautiful goals in football over the past 12 months.
While Messi, Ronaldo and other quality players have scored many goals in the past year, none of them has been able to consistently score goals as magnificent as the ones scored by the Frenchman.
Nasri's goal against Porto came out of absolutely nowhere, while his ability to score the two goals of the season in the same match against Fulham are proof of the Arsenal player's mad talents.
The goals scored by Nasri are a reminder for people why they started watching football in the first place. Some of his goals can be considered love letters for football fans everywhere, and watching the Frenchman work his magic can only be described as poetry in motion.
Nasri is currently Arsenal's leading goal-scorer with 19 thus far, a great number for a striker, let alone a midfielder. Nasri staying fit can only enhance Arsenal's chances in achieving great things this season. Arsenal fans are truly lucky to have him on their side.
6. Game Against Manchester United at The Emirates
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While the fixtures at the Emirates are all crucial, this one may very well decide the EPL champion.
Arsenal and Manchester United will lock horns at the Emirates Stadium, and the three points earned will very well make or break a team's season. While the Red Devils can consider the option of drawing, Arsenal must enter the game with the intention to beat Man United, especially after seeing them somehow make it this far unbeaten.
The game means much more for Arsenal than it means for Man United, for in the past, refereeing decisions have always went Man United's way. The Gunners would do well to beat their rivals, regardless of whichever decisions come their way.
Should Arsenal successfully play their game, then they might end up with all three points. This is the most important match of the season, and the Gunners must step up if they are to be crowned champions.
5. Arsenal's Impressive Away Form
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So far, Arsenal's away form has been a major factor in the Gunners' recent success. It is imperative that Arsenal keep their impressive away form and collect maximum points from their travels, and that too could help them on their quest for their first EPL title in almost seven years.
Arsenal's away form has been better than that of Chelsea, Man City and Man United. They will look to build on that, most notably against the weaker teams in the league. The games against Newcastle and the like will be a very important test to see Arsenal's resilience and mental strength. It could also encourage Arsenal to take the game to Barcelona at the Nou Camp, when the Gunners are expected to wear their all-yellow attire.
4. The Squad Is Coming Of Age
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The picture included is four years old, in it is a 26-year old Rosicky and 23-year old Van Persie. While they were at the time youngsters, they are currently the wise men in the Arsenal squad along with Arshavin.
In 2009, Arsenal collapsed due to the lack of experienced personnel. Rosicky was out for the entire season, while Arshavin was yet to be an Arsenal player. Gallas was a bad influence despite his abilities on the pitch, while Almunia and Silvestre were just never good enough. As a result, Arsenal barely finished fourth that season, and almost missed out on the Champions League.
This time, however, the youngsters such as Song, Fabregas and Nasri are 23 years of age, and while the youngest is Wilshere, having a 19-year old prodigy among your ranks is never a bad thing. Couple them with van Persie, Arshavin, Chamakh and Rosicky, and you have a formula that can very well guarantee success.
Arsenal's players are at the right age, and have shown the desire and hunger to make them champions, the Carling Cup final is already proof. The first final of the season, and the Gunners are already in it, this can only lead them to believe in themselves, and what they can accomplish in the near future.
3. The Grandiose Comeback Of Robin Van Persie
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Gooners might not understand it, but RVP's importance for Arsenal at the moment is more than they could possibly imagine.
Hailed by many as the successor to Dennis Bergkamp, RVP was always injured, and rarely had the chance to prove his class for the Gunners. At the beginning of the season, after Van Persie got injured yet again, fans thought it would be the same old routine, with the Dutchman missing the chance to impress yet again.
However, since returning from injury RVP has been on fire, and is currently Arsenal's number-one striker. His vision and goal-scoring ability are second to none, and is at the moment one of, if not the, most important member of the squad.
Should RVP avoid injuries, the Gunners can do a lot more damage to their opposition with the Dutchman leading them upfront.
2. It's Almost February, and Arsenal Are Relatively Injury Free!
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It's almost impossible to believe, but it's almost February, and Arsenal are not drowning in injuries (that could change in a second, though).
At this point of almost every campaign, Arsenal lose some of their key players. Last year they ended up missing around seven, three of which were injured against Barcelona in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
But it seems the tides have finally turned with Arsenal's key players still kicking. This was always the main reason the Gunners came short at the end of the campaign: shortage of quality due to injuries.
Arsenal will be hoping to keep their squad fit, for that will be a major contributor in guaranteeing the Gunners' success.
1. Victoria Concordia Crescit
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Every Arsenal fan knows the meaning of these words: "Victory comes from harmony".
The club's official motto are more than just words, they are the very reason why Arsenal fans love the club in the first place.
Now it might sound cheesy, but in actuality these words make perfect sense, almost every great team throughout the history of the sport has always achieved greatness through harmony and understanding.
Be it Milan throughout their history, "The Invincibles" during their legendary 2003-2004 campaign, or Ajax of yore, harmony was the very reason those teams achieved greatness.
Should the Arsenal players ever need inspiration, they need to look no further than their own shirts, read their team's motto and remember what they represent, Arsenal have become more than just a football club based in London. It's become a culture, and a great one at that.
If there's ever a reason Arsenal can become the champions of England, it's because of everything they represent, and everything they've become.
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