It hasn't been a very good week for Arsene Wenger, and that will be mirrored in the hearts and minds of all Arsenal fans. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Gunners could very well be dreaming about a possible quadruple. That would of course start with an anticipated win over Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final, the day that Wenger's young guns would take their quality to the pitch and claim the first trophy of his new era at the Emirates Stadium. Then, would come the other - considerably harder - task of overcoming Barcelona, but they had the advantage of a brilliant two-one lead to take to the Nou Camp. Add in their continued progress in the FA Cup (albeit facing Leyton Orient in a fifth round replay) and their position as Manchester United's closest challengers in the Premier League, it was all looking rosy for the Gunners.
But it all went wrong. Wenger's major criticism is his lack of investment in the defense/goalkeeping areas of his young side, and those problems reared their ugly heads at Wembley. A fiesty Birmingham nullified the Arsenal threat for long periods of the game and, although they had chances to win it, the favourites threw it away when a mix-up between rookie goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and young defender Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins the easiest opportunity to win the Brum the Carling Cup. The easiest chance of the lot to get a trophy and Wenger's boys blew it, but it was still hopeful - three competitions still on the boil.
Last night however, it went down to two. Barcelona, with the help of some extremely questionable refereeing, triumphed over Arsenal yet again to progress in the Champions League. Trying to halt the Barca tide proved impossible for a second season in a row as Lionel Messi scored twice, either side of a fine Xavi goal; even after a Sergio Busquets own goal had given them hope. That hope had been ripped away as referee Massimo Busacca sent off Robin Van Persie for a second booking after the Dutchman booted the ball away after the whistle had been blown. He claimed he hadn't heard the whistle, Wenger and Samir Nasri complained furiously, the game was ruined etc. It doesn't change the fact, unfortunately, that Arsenal are out of the Champions League for this term.
Sandwiched in between this was a routine five-nil victory over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup to set up a tricky Sixth Round tie with Manchester United, and a poor nil-nil draw with Sunderland that saw them fall behind United in the Premier League title race. So a terrible week for the Gunners, yes? Disastrous, Arsene Wenger actually finding his job under pressure and Cesc Fabregas certain to leave after such a bad run ay? Not exactly.
Dirk Kuyt seems to have given Wenger a lifeline. In grabbing a hat-trick against United in an immensely entertaining win for Liverpool on Sunday, he has blown the title race wide open. Sir Alex Ferguson's side may have gone 27 matches unbeaten this term but they have lost three of the last five league games, and that has seen the gap between them and the Gunners reduced to three points - with Arsenal having a game in hand. Say it quietly and don't back on anything yet, but Arsenal have a fantastic chance of winning the Premier League this season.
Arsenal probably just have the trickier fixtures - they must play Liverpool and Tottenham, before what promises to be a monumental game at the Emirates, Arsenal versus Manchester United on the 1st May. Remember United still have aspirations of European progression, and face possibly playing semi-final ties around this game, meaning minds may be elsewhere and legs may be tiring. I stress that this is Manchester United - they have the experience of being in these positions, and I doubt Sir Alex will prioritize so blatantly. Remember, this would be the 19th league title that would see them overturn Liverpool's record.
If Arsene Wenger can now focus his troops, get Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie fit for every game and pick up the results he would expect to get, he can push United all the way. Games against West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn, Blackpool, Stoke and Fulham need to be won and preferably convincingly - the goal difference is three goals in United's favour and the advantage would be a major one going into the latter stages of the season. But with the seemingly irrepressible Jack Wilshere and Samir Nasri in his side, they have the undoubted talent to win the Premier League this season, and end that long trophy drought in sensational fashion. Not bad for a side who lost it all to Birmingham two weeks ago ay?
NWR
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