Let's be clear, the remaining matches are NOT easy. The "experts" who keep saying we have an easy run of matches between now and the end of May are setting up a response to what most are probably hoping will end in disappointment for us. I can just see them rubbing their filthy hands, waiting to comment on how we were never really good enough.
The back door is waiting to be swung open for us. We've been beaten convincingly by United and Chelsea so there's no good reason to go on about whether we're a better side than they are. What matters most is that we make every effort to finish above them.
We've beaten a Hull team who are desperate for points and equally difficult to watch. I honestly feel such teams cheapen the league. Yes, all leagues have bottom feeders but I struggle to understand their approach. If kicking and sly fouls are the only way to combat Arsenal's brand of football then it says that Phil Brown is either a moron or his players are just not good enough.
Or maybe both.
Andrei Arshavin did his best to outdo Niklas Bendtner's forgettable display against Burnley last week as he missed chance after chance. He did score the opener but it isn't harsh to have expected a second Arsenal hat-trick in one week. Has that ever happened?
Late heroics are not uncommon to this team. The manager joked about the effects they have on his heart but I'm certain that he'd rather leaving it late than dropping points. "We're always leaving it until late at the moment, maybe it's not good for my heart, but for the championship, it's not bad." Dropped points is simply not an option.
Player ratings:
Almunia - 6.75
Sagna - 6.75
Vermaelen - 6.75
Campbell - 6.75
Clichy - 6.75
Denilson - 6.75
Diaby - 6.75
Nasri - 6.5
Eboue - 6.5
Bendtner - 7.0
Arshavin - 6.5
Walcott - 6.5
Eduardo - 6.5
We haven't played well but took three vital points. That's what (potential) champions do. West Ham next. No games are won on paper. That's why we play them.
Keep the faith.
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