Today’s game against Manchester United is a must win game. Arsenal has to win this game, if they are serious about winning the title; there is no other way around it, especially with the upcoming 2 games against Liverpool (FA Cup) Bayern (CL). I love Arsenal, but I’m a realist and Arsenal will not win either game, thus making today’s game extremely important for Arsenal’s title challenge, and the confidence of the Arsenal supporters. If Arsenal loose today and then the next two matches, then it’s here we go again just like last year, Arsenal drop out of all competitions with in a weeks’ time. I know being a point behind Chelsea with 12 matches to go, wouldn’t be a bad thing, but as an Arsenal supporter, would I really trust the squad and the manager to push through against all odds and win the title, only if they defeat Manchester United, and then put every last egg in the “win the title basket”.
Some supporters feel a point would be sufficient, but to me that would let this team off the hook and send the same message, that Arsenal supporters have been bombarded with all season. “Arsenal can’t handle the pressure.” “Come February Arsenal will fade.” These are just a few of the countless remarks that have been thrown around. If Arsenal wants to win the title, they have to win today. If Arsenal wants to show everybody they can handle pressure, they have to win today. If Arsenal wants respect they have to earn it, and going out and defeating the defending champions at the Emirates, will go a long way in earning some respect. Defeating a Manchester United team that will be absolutely desperate for points, a Manchester United team that’s beaten Arsenal, at a time in the season when Arsenal were in much better form. Arsenal can kill a ton of birds with one stone (win) today. Arsenal can earn respect and let the world know that they will be in the hunt for a league title that they won’t fade, they can handle pressure, and best of all completely destroy Manchester United dreams of Champions League football.
For the past 10 years as Arsenal supporters, we’ve seen this movie before; we know how it ends, and so does the whole footballing universe. That’s why when anybody other than an Arsenal supporter speaks about Arsenal’s title challenge it’s with callous disregard, a joke, impossible. Impossible for all the same reasons, too thin, too many injuries, not enough mental strength, and no leaders on the team, and last but not least Arsenal can’t handle the pressure. There’s a scene from the original Karate Kid that sums up why Arsenal need to win, to earn balance and respect. Karate Kid scene
Peace Out, Blanco
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