Arsenal started off the season with all guns blazing by beating the living daylights out of Everton 1-6 at Goodison Park. We kept going strong until we lost against both the Manchester sides, but we still bounced back. We kept up the pressure but then lost to Chelsea at the Emirates. After being written off by critics, we picked ourselves up and then lost two successive games to Man United and Chelsea. This time, everyone thought we squandered yet another chance at a domestic trophy. But we've come back, oh and in what style. We've shown grit, determination, class and consistency since then. And now we find ourselves close. Very, very close indeed.
Let's take a look back at Arsenal's season so far-
Best Individual Performance-
Cesc Fabregas against Aston Villa at the Emirates, December-
The Arsenal captain was just magnificent on the day, showcasing pure brilliance. Affected by a slight hamstring injury, Arsene chose not to start with him and to leave him on the bench awhile. But he realised that we needed a boost against fourth-placed Aston Villa, so he sent on Fabregas in the 56th minute as a response. The captain curled a free kick into the top corner and finished a counter-attack to put the Gunners comfortably ahead. Although he went off with a recurrence of his injury less than half an hour later, he completely changed the context of the game.
Best Goal-
Andrei Arshavin against Manchester United at Old Trafford, August-
This one goes to a very little Russian, Andrei Arshavin. He scored an absolute cracker at Old Trafford late August. He was fouled by Fletcher in the box, yet the ref waved play on. The Russian got the ball on the left a few minutes later, took a few steps and unleashed a thunderbolt. Ben Foster could do nothing but get a few fingers on it.
Worst Performance-
Nicklas Bendtner against Burnley at the Emirates, March-
On the day, the Dutchman was just plain woeful. Was he a Burnley fan as a child? He missed a total of almost 5 or 6 clear-cut chances, which include an easy header off a pinpoint Walcott cross. And people defend Bendtner by saying 'But he's good in the air!'. Well, he is good in the air, but if he needs to be a starting striker, he has to find some consistent form. Alright, all players have their off days, but they shouldn't be squandering so many chances. Arsenal nearly paid for Bendtner's wasteful finishing.
Game of the Season, so far-
Arsenal 4-2 Bolton Wanderers, January-
Before the kick-off, Arsenal knew that they could go top with a win against the Lancashire side. But that thought was all gone after Gary Cahill shocked the Arsenal Faithful inside the first ten. And 10 minutes after, they conceded a penalty which was struck home by Matthew Taylor, haunting Arsenal again. The teams looked evenly poised, but Bolton looked to have the upper hand and looked set to take home the spoils of victory if they kept up their performance. But before the break, Rosicky smashed one into the back netting, from inside the 18 yard box.
Scene II- A bit after the break, Fabregas found himself with the ball in the 18 yard box and ran down to slide the ball in an angled shot. 2-2. Next, Fabregas fired in a corner and after a few headers, our favourite defender, Vermaelen scored. Bolton were still fighting for a point when after a lucky rebound off a half-hearted Bolton challenge, Arshavin got the 4th. An end to a pulsating encounter that sent Arsenal top.
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