Its January 3rd, 2014, and with Arsenal sitting on top of the Premier League table, Gooners everywhere are hopeful that this is the year to end the trophy drought by taking the league. However, there are some things that could stand in the way of the Gunners title hopes. Here they are.
10. Luck
Every team has their gripes with refereeing decisions and poor fortune in football. One mistake or one unfortunate miss could ruin any one team’s season, with points gaps being as little as they are. A disallowed goal or an incorrect red card could break the league leaders, particularly with Manchester City and Chelsea snapping at their heels.
It could be seen that luck is something that could win Arsenal (or any other club) the title, and Arsenal have been on both sides of the coin. Sunderland were very unlucky not to see their goal against Arsenal stand earlier on in the season, but Arsenal have seen some poor decisions go against them too, such as Yaya Toure and Jon Obi Mikel both remaining on the pitch despite high, reckless challenges in massive clashes with Man City and Chelsea, respectively.
If Arsenal are to win the league, they need decisions to go for them, like many past champions have also.
9. Arsene Wenger’s stubborn nature
There have been times in the past where Wenger has been convinced by his own spiel and decided that certain players are good enough, or a loss to a relegation-threatened side is not as bad as it seems. The man is a genius, but he may have to ditch his personal policies for the title to land in the Emirates.
Wenger is very well known to be against the January transfer window. He claims it is an inflated market, and usually only sub-par players available, without spending above £30m. He is often right too, but this time it is different. Arsenal have money to spend, and have reason to spend it, being in pole position after twenty matches.
A short term option is rarely a Wenger choice, as long term represents better value for money. However, a loan or even a player who would offer the club one or two years, would be acceptable, given the current circumstances. If Le Professeur cannot bite the bullet and accept that it will cost a lot to buy the necessary additions to his side, it could be an horrendous mistake.
8. Cup runs
As much as cup runs are great for the fans, they can be an unnecessary distraction. Realistically, nobody expects Arsenal to win the Champions League this year, and it would go down as a shock if they did. The revenue that the competition brings is the main reason it is vital to qualify.
Away days in Europe can be the undoing of many teams’ league aspirations, due to the well coined ‘European hangover’. Arsenal follow their last-16 away trip with the not-so-small task of Spurs. Would it be a disaster to drop out of Europe? Not really. It could even give the club some advantages over league rivals who have to cram in European trips later in the year.
The FA Cup is a different kettle of fish, however. Firstly, the clash against Spurs is more than just about FA Cup progress – it is bragging rights. It is also a competition that Arsenal can plausibly win. However, again, it could become a futile attempt and ultimately a distraction. The decision Wenger has to make is whether he truly believes Arsenal have what it takes to win the league, and if so, is he willing to drop interest in other trophies, until next season, at least?
7. Liverpool
The butt of many jokes in recent years, Liverpool have been revitalised this season, in no small part due to a certain Uruguayan. The side has bought well and they have charged up the table, and have been a threat to many sides this year, which is something that puts them in title contention, even if they are the current outsiders for it.
Luis Suarez has spearheaded the rise up the league, but players like Mamadou Sakho, Simon Mignolet and Daniel Sturridge have been impressive too. With Jordan Henderson beginning to justify his price-tag, the Merseyside team could be one to watch as the league reaches its close.
6. Fixtures
Whilst it is all well and good to have a (relatively) calm January, February and March have some awful runs in them for Arsenal. In February, Arsenal face Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich across eleven days. Then in March, the side have a run of Swansea, Bayern, Tottenham, Chelsea and finally Man City. These two months will really show Arsenal for who they are and whether they have the mettle to become champions.
5. Unpredictable teams
This season has been one of the most open in Premier League history, and that is hugely due to teams being so unpredictable. From Newcastle, to Southampton, to Stoke, teams are defeating the ‘big boys’ of the league all the time. If Arsenal think that any of their fixtures are going to be easy, it needs rethinking.
Fulham, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have all looked to be improving since managerial changes, and other relegation-threatened sides are starting to become hard to beat. Everton have been a force to be reckoned with, as they’ve kept pace with the top pack for half a season.
Manchester United have had a dismal first half of the season, by their high standards, yet they’ve picked up a win already against the Gunners, and have started getting back to old winning ways.
4. Chelsea
The special One has a very talented side on his hands, with a wide range of different styles available for him to adopt, if need be. With a massive roster to choose from for his midfield, the job of scoring should come easily. Right now, the only thing holding the Blues back is that the midfield has too much workload. The strikers need to start pulling their weight in the goals. Eden Hazard, Oscar and Frank Lampard are the top three scorers.
Add to this that a usually solid defence has been leakier than a sieve, and you have a concoction for a team simply throwing trophies away. If Jose Mourinho can sort out these issues, Chelsea could be top in May.
3. Squad depth
It is no secret that Arsenal have not got the strongest of squads. The first choice eleven is a match for almost any team in the world, but it is the depth where holes begin to appear, across most of the pitch.
Polish national Wojciech Szczesny has been having a great season; however he is backed up by his much-maligned international teammate, Lukasz Fabianski. Fabianski is not a terrible goalkeeper, but his inability to command his area and his appalling track record with handling crosses is too big an error-zone to be relying on, should Szczesny get injured or suspended. City, many people’s favourites for the title, have Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon to guard their sticks, with both proving they are top talents.
The defence and forward positions are also lacking in cover. Carl Jenkinson is still on a learning curve and needs to be eased in across the next year, and many feel that Thomas Vermaelen is becoming a bit of a liability at times, despite being the club captain. A vacancy is there for a new defender, without a doubt.
Ideally Arsenal want to sign a new central striker too, be it temporary or permanently. With Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner injured, it is no surprise that many players have been linked with a January move. Arsenal could have to line up without a natural central striker in their squad against Tottenham. The lack of options is a real threat to the title aspirations of the Gunners.
2. Manchester City
What is there left to say about the clear favourites for this year’s title? Having scored over four goals per match at the Etihad, in the league, they are clearly the team to beat. Their away form is also improving, after a shaky start on the road.
Manuel Pellegrini now has a squad that could field two very strong elevens, so fixture congestion should not be an issue. They have been scintillating against every side, scoring sixteen against Arsenal, Spurs and Man United already this year.
The defence is equally formidable, with Vincent Kompany marshalling them. The blue side of Manchester has a lot to smile about, and any slip up from Arsenal will be punished with ruthless efficiency by City.
1. Kim Jong Un starting a nuclear war
The Korean madman has been in worse form than Papiss Cisse, with his drunken executions of advisors and his alleged comments regarding his national army to prepare for nuclear war.
If Kim Jong Un was to launch a few missiles, it would certainly have some affect on much of the world, including sports. Despite it being unlikely to directly affect England initially, not many would expect the football season to continue.
If Arsenal are still top in April, expect the Glorious Leader to have a few extra Spurs fans supporting him in his efforts for domination.
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