Arsenal FC: Assessing the Premier League Title Run-in Game-by-Game
Nine games.
It's hard to imagine, but all Arsenal have left are nine games. They win all their games, and they become the champions of England.
That's easier said than done.
They'll face a rejuvenated Liverpool; their archenemies Spurs, who are having the time of their lives; and Manchester United, a team Arsenal have failed to beat since the 2008-2009 season, where Nasri's brace sealed the game.
While it's a very tough task the Gunners are facing, it's nowhere near impossible. Arsenal have a chance, but fans will have stop being overly optimistic.
They have to face the fact that the pressure alone is more than enough for the Gunners to crumble.
Arsenal will face many problems, especially when they face Man United, a team with a winning mentality versus one that always lets things slip from their grasp in the final stretch.
It'll be interesting to see if Wenger has something up his sleeves.
Here, we assess the nine games Arsenal have left in their calendar and conclude whether Arsenal can win the EPL come May.
Arsenal vs. Blackburn
1 of 9
The first test: a physical Blackburn side.
As history has shown, the Gunners have struggled at times against Blackburn in set-pieces and crosses.
The Gunners' defense needs to be wary. It's hard imagining Squillaci and Koscielny going through an entire game without making a single mistake, but Arsenal fans will hope the pair find their footing and make a good impression.
Another defining moment will be when it's confirmed which goalkeeper will start the game.
The entire Arsenal society has been preaching Wenger to start Lehmann instead of the error-prone Almunia, but it remains to be seen whether the German will start his first game for the Gunners since 2008.
Should Wenger start Almunia instead, expect roars of anger the moment Spaniard makes a mistake.
It'll be a tough test for either keepers, and it will probably answer a lot of questions regarding how safe Arsenal's goal will be until the end of the season.
Blackpool vs. Arsenal
2 of 9
In their previous encounter, the Gunners thrashed Blackpool by six goals to nil.
While that gives a moral boost to the Gunners, they have a history of stumbling against teams they usually beat with ease.
To complicate matters even more, Blackpool (along with Blackburn) have 33 points and are in the 15th place in the table, with Wigan being at the bottom with 30 points.
This means that Blackburn, Blackpool, Aston Villa and every other team threatened by relegation will fight till the final minute.
Arsenal cannot get complacent—they simply cannot afford it at this stage.
One loss and the Gunners will most likely be out of the competition and remain trophy-less for yet another year.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
3 of 9
The first of three difficult and season defining games.
While every game is crucial, Liverpool and Spurs will have a say on who gets to be the EPL champion.
They still get to play Man U and Arsenal, and it's safe to say they have what it takes to make one of them stumble, if not both.
Liverpool have been back on track since the arrival of club legend Kenny Dalglish. They have brought in talented players in the shape of Suarez and Carrol, making sure Torres and Mascherano are no longer missed at the red part of Merseyside.
Arsenal will face Liverpool, then Spurs, Bolton and finally—the game everybody is waiting for—Manchester United.
Liverpool are still dreaming of qualifying to the Champions League.
While their chance is weak, there is a chance nevertheless.
They are expected to test Arsenal, and the Gunners will hope to emerge victorious if they are to stand a chance against Man United.
Spurs vs. Arsenal
4 of 9
It was a heart-breaking mode when Arsenal lost to Spurs at the Emirates. Now they must defeat Spurs at Whitehart Lane.
The North London Derby will most likely be even more challenging than Liverpool's visit to the Emirates.
The Gunners will be away against their fiercest rivals—not to mention that Spurs are hoping to qualify yet again to the Champions League and crush Arsenal's dreams of winning the EPL.
The stakes are higher this time around, and both teams will be hoping to beat their rivals and achieve their objective.
Expect things to get hostile out on the pitch.
Bolton Wanderes vs. Arsenal
5 of 9
The timing of this game is crucial to Arsenal.
It's right before the Man United game, and will give them a chance to rest their key players before the fight against United.
Wenger must find the right balance in squad selection, resting the likes of RVP and Fabregas (should they require rest.
At the same time, they must play key players to get all three points before Arsenal play their most important game this season.
While Arsenal have been able to beat Bolton with ease in previous encounters, the game is at the Reebok Stadium. Things might not always go Arsenal's way, so the Gunners must be cautious at the back and make sure they get the result.
Arsenal must leave the Reebok Stadium in high spirits if they are to beat United at the Emirates.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
6 of 9
This fixture will very much play a major role in who becomes the EPL champion.
Arsenal have been unable to defeat Manchester United in two years. They will look forward to giving their all against the Red Devils.
Man United are still competing in three competitions, giving Arsenal an advantage that fans will hope Wenger uses to the fullest.
Unless Wenger takes a new approach to the game, the game will likely see Arsenal dominate possession without any danger.
Manchester United will play on the counter like they did in the FA Cup, where Rooney's long passes were brilliant and Vidic's tackles defining.
Should the game end as a draw, it would most likely be in Manchester United's favor. That will mean Arsenal must approach the game with the intention of winning it.
Anything else and Man United will most likely break the record for number of EPL titles.
Stoke City vs. Arsenal
7 of 9
If there's one place Arsenal fans hate, it's the Britannia Stadium.
Ramsey's injury was when things started to fall apart for the Gunners. With three games remaining and Stoke likely to be in the bottom half of the table, they will most likely give Arsenal hell and try to get at least a point.
Should Arsenal succeed at beating Man United, they must carry the momentum and scrape their way to victory.
That is especially important when they are about to face one of the most physical sides on the planet—not to mention Rory Delap's throw in—which has caused Arsenal tons of problems in the past.
This might be a major speed bump in Arsenal's hunt for the title, but the Gunners have what it takes to overcome the physicality of Stoke and the hostility of the Britannia Stadium.
Arsenal vs. Aston Villa
8 of 9
With the current form of Aston Villa, Arsenal should be able to seal all three points, especially with the possibility that they'd be only two games away from becoming EPL champions.
Villa's season has been way below par, and Arsenal will be able to fully take advantage of the fact that the game was at the Emirates Stadium.
The crowd will surely be on fire with the possibility that Arsenal will only be one game away from being EPL Champions.
Arsenal's recent performances against Villa should give the Gunners a mental advantage over the Villains.
Fulham vs. Arsenal
9 of 9
The importance of this game depends on how Arsenal perform in all their previous games.
Things could go down to the wire and the Gunners might have to win the EPL title on the final day of the season.
It might also be a game of no importance should Arsenal choke. Or it could be a game where Wenger plays the reserves due to Arsenal sealing the EPL title beforehand (although that is highly unlikely).
It's hard to imagine that Arsenal are most likely going to end another season without winning any silverware, but there is still reason for hope.
Arsenal winning a trophy...stranger things have happened.
