Southampton (1.04) 1 - 0 (1.35) Arsenal
I knew Pain in My Arsenal would be a fitting name even though when I started this blog we were in the best form of the season. Naturally, we have reared our familiar and ugly heads. These past 3 fixtures have just been so painful. And yeah, I didn't write anything after Brighton and truly contemplated not doing this one. This blog isn't to make me famous or to be a money grab for myself. It's to express myself through words and I honestly just wasn't up for it. Who would be on the back of 3 losses, season ending injuries, and the ever so quickly diminishing hope of playing in Europe's elite competition next season - let alone in Europe at all.
The biggest news was Tavares and Nketiah getting the nods to start the game. The former I thought did well enough and was miles better than his previous showing at CP. The latter however failed to impress, which I thought was disappointing only because he had looked bright and eager to create in his last few appearances. But then again, he has consistently shown he is not all that consistent; a major theme for our strikers this entire season. Southampton's GK was stellar today. Should we have taken our chances better and scored? Absolutely. But I think credit where credit is due in store. Saka really should have had made it 1-0, which ultimately could have changed the game, but our luck has been so far in the dumpsters as of late that I am not surprised Forster made that save. I thought ESR could have done better with his half chance and Ø didn't really take his with any conviction either.
1 goal in the last three to teams who have all struggled before us is just the perfect summation of the rut we are currently in. 7.02 xG and only 2 goals to show for it since the Liverpool game. That kind of form really isn't going to get you where you want to go. Palace, Brighton, and Southampton all had not won in their past 6 or 7 games until they faced us. It is almost like we are the good luck Chuck of the Premier League. It is actually maddening. I am trying really hard to not be cynical, but by God this team is really testing me.
I thought what Mikel said post match was kind of true:
Huge [disappointment], because for somebody that doesn’t know the result & is watching the game, you know what they will tell you; that Arsenal won the game - we didn’t.
We did dominate the game. We did create more chances and more quality chances at that. But you have to take your chances and we just didn't do that. It is just shit because you look at how Southampton scored and you just think to yourself "how in the f---?". I mean c'mon an overhead kick to a player on the byline who smashes it back across to find a CB who just laces a shot with his opposite foot into the net. You can't make it up. I was so happy that Brighton was able to get the job done before us, but I had a sneaky feeling. That feeling in your gut that you just know impeding doom is not too far away. Yep, cheers boys.
We aren't out of it. Spurs are still spursy. United you never know who will show up. Both have to go Anfield. We have to play both of them still. West Ham hopefully are focused on Europe and ultimately lose in the final. Let's be real, it is not looking great, but there is no need to completely give up hope. I think it is just easier that way for the loud voices on twitter. Can't get hurt and they get to bitch about Edu this, Mikel that. Boring. Debate and discuss at the end of the year. Right now we simply have to get behind the team and hope for things to bounce our way.
Chelsea, United, West Ham all on the horizon, in that order. Until then, come on you Gunners!
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