Arsenal FC: A Look at the Gunners Remaining October Fixtures This Season
Club football is less than a week away from returning, and for Arsenal, that time couldn't come any sooner.
The month of October could be the month that defines Arsenal's season. Yes, it is still early, but there can be no excuses about injuries, and form, etc., as that is all part of the game. The best teams are able to deal with those issues and still come out on top. Any disastrous outcome in these next few fixtures, whether in the league or otherwise, could further serve to damage the teams psyche and result in an utterly woeful campaign. The Gunners must not fall much further behind the competition.
Arsenal faces an uphill task in maneuvering all its competitions successfully. The Carling Cup presents a good opportunity for silverware, but too much focus there, and the prospects of success in other competitions may diminish.
While they are the favorites to go through in a Champions League group consisting of Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos and Marseille, nothing can be taken for granted.The climb up the Premiership table is a daunting task at the moment, as Arsenal are in completely unfamiliar territory. Teams of Arsenal's caliber usually show their quality in the long run, and this Arsenal team can make it back up the table. But how far up will that be?
The Gunners already have one loss on the calender month with five intriguing fixtures remaining. Three of those are in the Premiership, and one each in the Champions League and Carling Cup. These October fixtures are extremely important for the Gunners season, with the always busy Christmas schedule quickly approaching.
A win in all these games would certainly right the ship and ease the pressure on both manager and squad. Here is a look at all the remaining October fixtures for the Gunners.
Premier League: Arsenal vs Sunderland
1 of 5First up for Arsenal is a home game against Sunderland on Sunday. The last time these two teams met, Arsenal had the likes of Jack Wilshere and Sunderland sent out Asamoah Gyan unto the field. This time around, if his loan contract permits, Nicklas Bendtner could be the forward posing Arsenal's defense some problems.
Both teams have struggled so far this season, but Sunderland is used to this position. They are only one point behind Arsenal, and with a better goal differential.
Arsenal fans will be looking to this game as the start of a change in fortune for their team, and that is very likely. Minus the Liverpool game, Arsenal is unbeaten at home and that should continue but as always, things are never easy for a top club.
Sunderland, as with any other team facing Arsenal currently, could feel that could grab a point or more from this encounter, and Arsene Wenger also has to keep in mind that there is an important mid-week fixture with Marseille to contend with as well.
Champions League: Marseille vs Arsenal
2 of 5Away games have not been good to the Gunners so far, and a trip to France will not be easy.
Marseille is control of the group at the moment with a two-point lead over the Gunners. Arsenal is used to being first in its Champions League group, and a win here would go a long way to securing that. After this game, Arsenal will only have one away game against Olympiakos, the weakest team in the group.
Again, just like many other teams, Marseille have no reason to fear Arsenal at the moment, though they will surely be cautious. They are at home and will look to gain complete control of the group with a win.
A draw for Arsenal would not be a bad result, considering they welcome Marseille to the Emirates in the next round, but a win would be much more pleasant.
Premier League: Arsenal vs Stoke City
3 of 5Stoke City presents a challenge for any team, whether home and away, and this season is no different.
This game may be the toughest one of the bunch for the Gunners. Coming of an away trip against European competition is not an opportune time to play an opponent such as Stoke.
The physical element of this game will definitely take its toll, though hopefully by this time, point players like Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen will be at least on the substitutes bench to help Wenger rotate players. This is another home game, though, and dropped points will do the Gunners no good. Another win here is vital.
Carling Cup: Arsenal vs Bolton
4 of 5This game will be another chance for fringe players and youngsters alike to hopefully get a confidence boost and some much needed game experience.
Bolton won't be fielding too much of a weakened team, so this game could be a tighter one than the last time these two teams met. With an away game at Stamford Bridge to come, this game will no doubt lead to the full starting 11 being rested.
The Carling Cup is an intriguing competition for the Gunners this year. A win last year could have catapulted the team to new heights, and the loss did just the opposite. The Gunners just need to win games no matter what at this point, so every fixture should be of importance to Wenger and the squad.
Premier League: Chelsea vs Arsenal
5 of 5The last game these two played was a season highlight for Gunners fans. A comprehensive 3-1 victory had fans at the time thinking positively about the team's fortunes for the remainder of the season. I was at that game and left feeling giddy indeed.
The prospect of facing Chelsea at this point in the season is unnerving. If Arsenal get through the previous four games without a loss and gain some momentum, anything could happen. Chelsea has not fired on all cylinders so far this season but, like Arsenal, they will have a few games before this to work out all the kinks.
A win here is no doubt a tough feat, and a draw may be sufficient if full points are gained from the all the other fixtures this month.
