Wenger's One That Got Away: Arsenal Should Have Won the EPL Title in 2010/2011

As referee Chris Foy blew his whistle for full time, granting Arsenal a tough, deserved 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United, in a result that blows the English Premier League title race back into mass contention. It would be hard to pinpoint just what is going through Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's mind.

The Frenchman has been forced to endure a horrific, nightmarish two months from which the Gunners went from sitting atop of World Football's pedestal with Wenger believing his young side, which for the last five silverware-absent campaigns, Wenger had tirelessly defended and developed into what the tactician believed was an effective powerhouse squad, was capable of securing an undistinguished "quadruple."

However, a demise lead by Carling Cup Final defeat saw the young Arsenal squad crumble. Injury drained, psychologically deprived and confident obviated, Arsenal exited the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and a mere EPL win in their last seven encounters ensured their chilling grip on the title race and leaders Manchester United diminished.

But Arsenal's win yesterday was fitting. After all the criticism and disbelief the young Gunners prevailed despite the absence of captain and maestro Cesc Fabregas and injuries sustained midway to playmaker Samir Nasri and defensive leader Johan Djourou.

There was not a poor performer in the Arsenal XI whilst there was no one more deserving than Aaron Ramsey, who calmly scored the winner in the 56th minute. The Welshman spent just under a year injured after suffering a horrific leg break in February 2010 thus rendering his first Arsenal Premier League goal since December 2009.

However, the win leaves a sense of regret more than anything for the North London giants. The win ensures Arsenal are only six points behind leaders Manchester United and three points behind Chelsea. Mathematically the Gunners are still a chance but realistically their title aspirations have subsidised.

But quite frankly 2010/2011 should have been the season when Arsenal finally ended their renowned trophy drought and secured the EPL title with relative ease. There is a long list of encounters that have gone begging with the Gunners simply not able to clinically finish off opponents before eventually conceding to a lacklustre draw or even defeat.

From the early exchanges Arsenal have paid the price. In September Wenger's men conceded a final second goal against Sunderland to succumb to a draw. Tomas Rosicky had missed a penalty whilst Alexandre Song was sent off. Weeks later West Bromwich Albion shocked England by taking a 3-0 advantage before Samir Nasri managed to reinstate some respectability with two late goals.

In November Arsenal performed in a lethargic manner before eventually losing 1-0 to Newcastle at the Emirates. The defeat was soon followed by one of the lowest moments in Wenger's tenure, the North London derby.

After boasting a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes, Arsenal conceded three second-half goals to somehow lose 3-2 to Tottenham. The Gunners were able then to put forward a relatively strong run before failing to see off a less than impressive, 10-man Wigan Athletic outfit in the final days of December, drawing 2-2. 

Another strong January period was then eradicated when Arsenal somehow drew the impossible with Newcastle. After 22 minutes an unstoppable Gunners stormed to a 4-0 lead and maintained the lead until the 68th minute. However, Abou Diaby's sending off early in the second half coupled with Johan Djourou's injury and some horrific Phil Dowd refereeing saw Arsenal somehow squander the match, drawing 4-4.

The post Carling Cup Final hangover also resulted in three successive draws with Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn, all matches in which a typical Arsenal dominated possession and created sufficient opportunities but were unable to materialize the winning formula.

All matches were pivotal in Arsenal's season and had circumstances gone differently, there could easily be a different outlook for Arsenal and England in 2010/2011. However, one cannot dwell on the mistakes as this season has evoked tremendous promise for this young Arsenal outfit.

It is evident that Wenger has formed a strong squad at his disposal but is just lacking minor chances and new presences which can be easily acquired in the upcoming summer thanks to the funds Wenger now boasts.

The season has also provide a further growing plate for a number of the young stars in Wenger's squad whilst the desire and hunger will surely be unstoppable. However there is no denying Arsenal should have won something in 2010/2011.